Mitch Evans says he and new Jaguar Formula E teammate Sam Bird and gelling well together as the pair currently sit 1-2 in the championship standings.
The Kiwi claimed his second podium of the season over the weekend in Rome and is now four points behind Bird, who leads the championship and has already secured one race win.
It is a positive start for the duo, who have only had four races as stablemates.
Bird has been in Formula since the series’ inception, yet Evans is very much Jaguar’s number one driver given this year is his fifth with the team.
Speaking after his successful weekend in Rome, Evans says Bird is constantly pushing him to a new level, believing he has formed a strong relationship with his new teammate.
“[Bird] is certainly a great motivation,” Evans said. “He assures me that he is focused and that he does everything correctly.
“Sam is very fast, consistent and shrewd in the race. I think our style is very similar.
“Obviously, I want to stay in front of him, but in the overall picture we are a well-blended couple.”
Jaguar also leads the Teams’ championship but are closely pursued by Mercedes-EQ.
The British marque has already claimed two wins from the four races this season, with them and Jaguar constant podium contenders.
However, Evans says he expects more teams to bridge the gap to Jaguar and Mercedes quickly and anticipates a closely fought title battle.
“I think some teams are very fast, but they weren’t lucky enough to be able to show their potential. Audi and DS are very fast, while Nissan will bring a new powertrain to the next race.
“Now we look competitive alongside Mercedes and other teams, but it’s still early days. We had a good start, but we mustn’t be too confident because other teams have been unlucky.”
Jaguar rolled out a brand-new car for the current season, equipped with a fresh powertrain designed in-house.
But Evans added that the feel of the new car is not too distant from that of last year’s machine.
“It is very similar, to be honest. There have been improvements, and the new powertrain has improved the car’s behaviour, but you are working with very small differences.
“The car is better than last season, although probably not so much, we’re just maximizing what we have and refining the machine.
“Obviously, the power is more or less the same as last year and it is difficult to make a big leap forward, but the car is doing well now and we have to continue like this.”
The third round of the world championship will be the Valencia E-Prix on April 24-25.
