Jaguar Wins Formula-E Inaugural Race in Jakarta Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans has claimed his third victory of the season in an edge-of-your-seat race at the Jakarta E-Prix. It was the first FormulaE race held in South East Asia’s most populous city. The Indonesian fans were in for a treat as the drivers navigated a challenging purpose-built track at heartracing speeds. The 18-turn 1.47-mile track offered more than one potential overtaking point, was wide enough to allow for passes without contact and generally received a thumbs up from all. The scorching temperatures and the new pavement provided drivers with a low-grip surface and a significant challenge. Energy-sapping humidity also spelt a challenge for the drivers, who resorted to pre-race dips in paddling pools to cool off, while the teams sweated over rising battery temperatures. This was a tough motor race. After a successful qualifying session, Evans lined up third on the grid and held his position as the lights went green. Skilful manoeuvring saw the New Zealander edge ahead of António Félix Da Costa, before doing strategic battle with Jean-Éric Vergne and Edoardo Mortara. With six minutes to go, Evans took the lead after a thrilling overtake and maintained the lead until the chequered flag fell.
Along with this decisive victory, Evans also secured the fastest lap of the race, showcasing the pace of the Jaguar I-TYPE 5 under tough conditions. Sam Bird was also able to score valuable points for Jaguar by carving his way through the other competitors from his starting position of fourteenth to finish in ninth. Once again, the Jaguar’s performance was demonstrated as Bird made eight overtakes to move up the field. With impressive results achieved in Jakarta, Evans remains fourth in the drivers’ standings, now just twelve points behind leader. That’s nothing with seven rounds, including a double-header in London, still to come.
The New Zealander could easily become Formula-E’s second world champion. Jaguar TCS Racing is a solid fourth in the Formula-E World Championship teams’ standings. The tenth round of the Championship will take place in Marrakesh, Morocco on the 2 July 2022. News Flash - Mitch Evans finished third in an action-packed Marrakesh E-Prix. He remains fourth but closes the gap in the drivers’ standings, to remain in the ‘top four’ fighting for Championship. The 11th & 12th rounds take place on the streets of Brooklyn, New York City on the 16 and 17 July.
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Information for this story from Jaguar TCS Racing , Motorsport.com and Autocar.
THE OFFICIAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE JAGUAR DRIVERS CLUB OF SA
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