- Jaguar TCS Racing move into the top spot of the 2024 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship leaderboard
- Nick Cassidy clinches second podium of the season in his second race for Jaguar TCS Racing
- Mitch Evans finished fifth despite challenging for the lead and a podium position with many courageous moves
- Both drivers danced their Jaguar I-TYPE 6 race cars in the Diriyah desert setting to secure another podium and solid points in the second round of the all-electric world championship
- The third round of the 2024 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship takes place on the same Diriyah circuit tomorrow evening for the second night race
It was two out of two for Nick Cassidy as he secured his second successive podium for Jaguar TCS Racing. Nick lined up in seventh place on the grid after he was knocked out of the quarter-finals of the Qualifying Duels by teammate Mitch Evans. Nick carved his way through the pack, and with well-timed ATTACK MODE decisions and strong efficiency from his Jaguar I-TYPE 6, by lap 24 he was up into fourth just behind Mitch. In a valiant effort, Nick supported his teammates’ race by allowing him the space to defend Andretti Autosport’s Norman Nato, as well as defending NEOM McLaren’s Sam Bird in the final stages of the race.
On the illuminated track, Mitch Evans had an action-packed race as he challenged for the win and podium throughout the full 37 laps. Starting on the front row of the grid after a successful Qualifying session, Mitch held his position off the start line. For the first third of the race, Mitch, the Avalanche Andretti of Jake Dennis and DS Penske’s Jean-Éric Vergne rotated places as each driver went into ATTACK MODE. On the 12th lap, and with an additional 50kW powering his Jaguar I-TYPE 6 in ATTACK MODE, Mitch skilfully overtook Jean-Éric Vergne to take second position. From here, there was once again a battle to defend against the Frenchman, similar to the events in the previous debut race in Mexico City. Five laps later, Vergne overtook Mitch to regain second place and Mitch dropped back to third.
The last few seconds of the race turned out to be dramatic as Mitch closed the gap sufficiently to Vergne to make a final attempt for second position. Mitch went to the inside at turn 18, but a second move from Vergne in the braking zone pushed Mitch further into the dusty inside line. This forced Mitch to run wide on the exit and lose positions to Nick and the McLaren of Sam Bird, dropping him back to fifth at the flag.
Despite this unanticipated setback for Mitch, the performances from both Kiwis and a strong points haul means that Jaguar TCS Racing now in the lead the World Championship Teams’ Standings by 14 points.
Nick Cassidy moves into second place in the 2024 ABB FIA World Championship Driver Standings, while Mitch Evans remains fifth.
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That was an edge-of-the-seat race and I am very pleased that we were able to score valuable points for the team today. Starting in Qualifying we had good pace in very challenging track conditions and both drivers did a great job to make it through to the Duels. Mitch once again showed his qualifying class by securing a front row start. At the end of what was a real battle of a race it was great to score another significant points-haul for Jaguar TCS Racing.
“After challenging for the lead with Mitch, our two drivers worked closely together to maximise points for the team. Mitch gave it his best to pass Dennis and Vergne at different points in the race. With such a dusty track off the racing line, it was challenging to make some of these moves stick but we are a racing team trying to maximise our results and always give it our best. Nick ran a clever race today, climbing from P7 to P3, and secured his second podium in his second race with the team – a great achievement and a fantastic start to the season. Overall a strong team performance, of course there are some things we can learn from and improve but the goal is to be leading the Teams’ World Championship and the points secured today have done that. It’s a great foundation to try and build on tomorrow.
James Barclay
Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal
2024 Diriyah E-Prix - Round 2
2024 Diriyah E-Prix - Round 2
2024 Diriyah E-Prix - Round 2
Today was a tough race with some high-risk overtakes from me – some of which paid off – however a mixture of things didn’t work out. It’s frustrating as at times I genuinely believe our race car was fast enough to win today. I am now looking ahead to tomorrow.
Mitch Evans
Jaguar TCS Racing Driver #9
2024 Diriyah E-Prix - Round 2
2024 Diriyah E-Prix - Round 2
2024 Diriyah E-Prix - Round 2
My team have been amazing today and this one is for them. I made a slightly wrong choice in qualifying but in the race, I had an amazingly quick car. I’ve never started a season this well so it’s a great feeling.
Nick Cassidy
Jaguar TCS Racing Driver #37
The second-half of the Diriyah double-header gets underway tomorrow, as once again lights go green for round three of the 2024 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
