Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans will join an exclusive group of Formula E drivers when he suits up for his 100th race at this weekend’s Tokyo E-Prix.
The race is also the 100th for the team, who Evans has driven for since their inception in Formula E’s third season in Hong Kong in 2016.
In 99 starts, Evans has qualified on the pole six times, claiming 26 podiums, including ten wins for a career points tally of 772.
He will become just the sixth driver to begin a centenary of races in the series, behind only Sam Bird, Sebastien Buemi, Antonio Felix da Costa, Lucas di Grassi and Jean-Eric Vergne.
“I was just 22 years old when I first raced for Jaguar TCS Racing. It’s crazy how fast time goes,” said Evans.
“During our time together, we have been on a huge journey of both learning and growth, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved. Everyone in the team has helped me to develop both on and off the track, and I’m truly grateful for their ongoing support.
“After 99 races in Formula E, we are still targeting our first World Championship winner’s trophy, for both myself as a driver and for the team, after being so close a number of times. Hopefully, my 100th race at the Tokyo E-Prix is one that takes us to take another step closer towards that goal.”
This weekend’s outing at Tokyo Big Sight, an 18-turn, 2.582km street circuit surrounding the Tokyo International Exhibition Centre, is also the 100th for several team members, including Team Principal James Barclay.
“Myself and the team are extremely proud to reach this centennial milestone in our Formula E journey,” said Barclay. “Creating the fabric of this team right from the start in 2015/2016 has and continues to be a hugely proud achievement.
“I am honoured to work alongside an incredible group of people that have helped grow Jaguar TCS Racing over the past eight seasons to the team we are today. Jaguar has a rich motorsport history, and we are hugely motivated to be writing the next chapter of success on track for this iconic brand.
“Celebrating this achievement in Japan adds to the occasion, and we head into the race leading the Teams’ World Championship with Nick also leading the Drivers’ Championship and Mitch in third.
“We are hugely excited to take to the streets of Tokyo city for the first time in Formula E’s history, showcasing the future of mobility in yet another key location.”
Despite crashing out of the Sao Paulo E-Prix, Jaguar’s Nick Cassidy remains in the lead of the Driver’s Championship with a four-point advantage over Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein.
Japan has been a happy hunting ground for the Kiwi, who won the 2019 Super Formula Championship.
“Although I have only competed for Jaguar TCS Racing in four of its 100-race journey, during this time, I’ve been able to witness the great progress made over the last eight seasons and have been able to add to our points, podiums and wins tally,” said the 29-year-old.
“I’m really proud to be a part of making history with the team and am looking forward to more races together.
“Tokyo is such an exciting race for me. I spent a large period of my racing career in Japan, and I’m ready to return with fantastic memories. The Japanese fans are very passionate about their motorsport, so I’m hoping I can give them something to cheer about.”
Jaguar TCS Racing holds a 35-point advantage over Porsche in the Team’s Championship ahead of Round 5 of 16.
This weekend’s track action begins with the first practice at 2.55 am on Saturday (NZ Time), with the Tokyo E-Prix starting at midnight on Monday.
All sessions will be shown live on Sky Sport.
