Monday 5 June 2017, Whitley, UK:
With six FIA Formula E races complete, Panasonic Jaguar Racing go to Berlin for the final European round of the season. The double‑header Berlin ePrix takes place on 10 and 11 June at Tempelhof Park, formerly the German capital’s main airport. The season will then close with double‑headers in New York and Montreal on 15‑16 July and 29‑30 July respectively.
The Berlin ePrix has been a part of all three Formula E seasons to date. The ten turn, 2.25km anticlockwise track on the apron of the historic airport has been re‑profiled since the inaugural race, promising faster racing and more overtaking opportunities in front of a large German crowd.
The Berlin ePrix will also offer an expanded Allianz eVillage, which will include the Jaguar I‑PACE Concept on the Panasonic Jaguar Racing stand. The performance SUV concept previews Jaguar’s first electric vehicle, which will be on the road in the second half of 2018.
Having scored 19 championship points in three consecutive races, and leaping to 8th place in the team standings, the British team has continued to learn from each race in their debut season. With the experience of the first ever back‑to‑back Formula E races in Monaco and Paris behind them, the team is now preparing for the new challenge of three consecutive double‑headers over the next eight weeks.
How have you been preparing for the team’s first double‑header?
James Barclay, Team Director, Panasonic Jaguar Racing: “One of the many unique aspects of each Formula E race weekend is that all the action takes place in one day. This was perhaps the greatest learning curve when we joined the series and it has required us to plan cool and calmly how we prepare, but also how we communicate and make decisions coolly on what is a very hectic day.”
“To complete two race days in a row will be very demanding. However, we are racers and double‑headers offer more opportunities to gather important data and more laps of these terrific circuits in front of the passionate German fans. We are really looking forward to getting to Berlin.”
Does the change in track layout level the playing field for teams that are new to the championship like Panasonic Jaguar Racing?
JB: “As the newest team to join the championship, every race is a huge opportunity to learn more about this unique form of racing. Our competitors have a head start on us but we are learning very quickly and Adam and Mitch are very passionate about Formula E racing.”
“This circuit will be slightly familiar to the other teams but the real unknown is the surface, which was a huge talking point in season one. The abrasive surface is very different to the street surfaces the drivers are used to so other teams will have some key data. We can’t wait to get back to racing in Berlin.”
Mitch Evans in his Panasonic Jaguar Racing I-TYPE
Adam Carroll & Mitch Evans in the Formula E paddock
Mitch Evans in his Panasonic Jaguar Racing I-TYPE
How have you been preparing for the Berlin ePrix?
Adam Carroll, #47: “I’m really looking forward to the new challenge of completing my first double‑header in Berlin. It’s a format we will need to adapt to as all of the final races of the season will be like this. I’m lucky to have a lot of experience in endurance racing. In terms of physically preparing for these races, I’ve been increasing my level of cardio and boxing in my workout which I’m really enjoying.”
“I think the real challenge for us will be taking in all the information we need for the two races. The Formula E cockpit is a uniquely busy place to be, with a lot to remember and to relay to the team in every session. Between practice, qualifying and the race, that’s eight sessions in 48 hours. It will come down to clear, calm communication with our engineers and precise feedback from Mitch and myself. The whole team will sleep well after Berlin.”
What do you think of the circuit?
AC: “I think the circuit looks really fun. This is a very different environment to what we are used to in Formula E. For a start, while the circuit is very similar to a street circuit, it is taking place on an airport apron so we will experience a different, more abrasive surface.”
“The updated version of the track looks challenging and quite fast. There are some very tight sections but some fast straights to offer overtaking opportunities. We have prepared well in the simulator but I’m looking forward to trying out the track for myself in shakedown on Friday.”
Mitch, you have been showing more and more confidence at the wheel of your Jaguar I‑TYPE. How are you enjoying your debut season in the Championship?
Mitch Evans, #20: “Formula E is a proper drivers’ championship. It has some of the best race locations in any series and certainly feels like one of the most competitive grids out there. With each race we are learning so much, and finding that sweet spot in each race becomes a more familiar process and I am just loving the experience of racing the Jaguar I‑TYPE. You can really lean on the car and build confidence on each lap.”
How has the Berlin circuit felt to drive in the simulator?
ME: “The Berlin circuit has been really enjoyable on the simulator. It’s quite fast and I’m eager to get to the track and see the surface for myself. With two races, we will all have more time to familiarise ourselves with the circuit and will have the opportunity to take learnings from the Saturday race into Sunday. It will be a busy weekend for the team but I know they are up for the challenge.”
