- Panasonic Jaguar Racing continue to show progress and speed of Jaguar I‑TYPE 2
- Mitch Evans’ valuable points retain fifth place for the British team
Zurich, Switzerland, Sunday 10 June – Mitch Evans today secured Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s debut pole position during the inaugural Zurich E‑Prix.
After setting the fastest time in qualifying the young Kiwi driver kept his cool during the Superpole shoot‑out to secure the Julius Baer Pole Position trophy and three valuable points. His teammate Nelson Piquet Jr started in P11 on the grid.
Following a strong start to the race Mitch pulled clear of the field before being caught and passed by eventual winner Lucas Di Grassi. A Full Course Yellow ultimately scuppered Mitch’s chances of a podium as he was among a number of drivers who were penalised with a drive through penalty. He finished the historic Swiss race in seventh. Jaguar retain fifth position in the Team Standings.
Nelson suffered early contact and damage forced him to pit early for repairs. Following his car change he was a lap down from the leaders which led to his retirement.
James Barclay, Team Director Panasonic Jaguar Racing: “It has been fantastic to be part of a series that has brought motor racing back to Switzerland after 64 years. Panasonic Jaguar Racing made history here in Zurich as we secured our first Pole Position in Formula E demonstrating the speed the team has which is a real positive to take to the final two races in New York.”
“Mitch had a good start to the race and along with a number of drivers was penalised under the Full Course Yellow, which comprised his race. He brought the Jaguar I‑TYPE 2 home and delivered more points for the team. A slightly frustrating end result but we know we have a good car which can deliver points for the team.”
Mitch Evans, #20: “Securing our first Formula E Pole Position gave the team a real lift and shows how far we have come. Unfortunately the race did not play out as we had hoped. In New York we will try hard and deliver more points to finish the season off well.”
Nelson Piquet Jr, #3: “The chicane traffic caused damage to the car which ultimately led to my retirement. The beginning of the season has been good however a mixture of bad luck and incidents have been disappointing in recent races. With two races to go in New York we’ll try to deliver more points for the team.”
FanBoost opens for the New York E‑Prix at 17:00 BST on Monday 9 July and closes 21:10 BST on Saturday 14 July. As a double‑header race there will be a second FanBoost opening on Saturday 14 July at 23:00 BST and closing on Sunday 15 July at 21:10 BST.
Tweet your boost using #MitchEvans or #NelsonPiquetJr and #FanBoost, or visit: http://fanboost.fiaformulae.com/
Further information
For further information about Panasonic Jaguar Racing, please contact:
Adrian Atkinson, Global PR Manager, Panasonic Jaguar Racing
Email: aatkins5@jaguarlandrover.com
Notes to Editors
EDITORS’ NOTES
ABOUT PANASONIC JAGUAR RACING
Jaguar returned to racing in October 2016, becoming the first premium manufacturer to join the all‑electric FIA Formula E Championship street racing series.
Jaguar’s Formula E programme will create tangible R&D benefits for the electrification of future Jaguar Land Rover road cars and is designed around the team’s founding principle, ‘Race to Innovate’.
Manufacturers can design their own powertrain, which includes the motor, transmission, inverter and rear suspension. Common components across all teams to control costs include the carbon fibre chassis and battery. The focus is on developing electric vehicle powertrains.
Beyond its all‑electric concept, Formula E is unique in the world of motorsport for its choice of venues. With the exception of the Mexico E‑Prix, every round of the championship takes place on temporary street circuits in the centre of the world’s major cities. All track action including practice, qualifying and racing takes place in a single day. Beginning on December 2, the 2017/18 calendar includes 12 races in 10 cities, including double‑header races in Hong Kong and the finale in New York.
