CONSECUTIVE POINTS FINISHES FOR PANASONIC JAGUAR RACING IN MONACO DEBUT
Panasonic Jaguar Racing recorded their second consecutive points finish in today’s FIA Formula E Monaco ePrix. Mitch Evans and Adam Carroll survived a testing battle throughout the race to finish in P10 and P14, scoring another valuable championship point for the British team. Jaguar remains P9 in the team standings.
Racing in the Mediterranean Principality, Mitch and Adam succeeded in bringing both cars home through an action-packed race, recording the team’s second consecutive top ten finish in only the fifth race since Jaguar retuned to international racing.
The pair of Jaguar I-TYPEs lined up on the grid with Mitch and Adam in P15 and P18 respectively, with an aggressive race strategy to make the most of what was anticipated to be a feisty first stint on the famously challenging street circuit.
Towards the halfway point of the race, the team took an opportunistic strategy call. Following a competitor collision on track, Panasonic Jaguar Racing reacted instantly to the incident, calling both drivers in early to complete their mandatory pit stops.
The safety car was only deployed as the Jaguar duo had entered the pitlane, meaning that New Zealand’s Mitch Evans re-joined the action directly behind the safety car, one lap down from the drivers who pitted later. He was eventually waved past the safety car but had to use valuable energy to re-join the pack, which impacted on his ability to push towards the end of the race.
However the team were rewarded with another top ten finish for Mitch and more valuable data for Adam who brought the Jaguar I-TYPE home in P14.
James Barclay, Team Director, Panasonic Jaguar Racing: “It was positive day for the team. To make our European debut and then score points in our first ever Monaco ePrix is special. It was another great learning opportunity to refine how we approach our race strategy from our one-lap pace to our energy management. We were a bit conservative in qualifying with Mitch, and Adam had some contact on his qualifying lap so we started a little further back than we would have liked.”
“We went into the race with an aggressive strategy to take an early call on pit stops if there was an incident, and this is what transpired. Unfortunately, the safety car was deployed a little sooner that we would have liked and the gamble didn’t give us the gains we’d been hoping for. But as a new team, in our learning year, I think it’s important that we try things like this when we can. We are here to race and I’m very proud to come away with our second consecutive points in Jaguar’s fifth ePrix.”
Mitch Evans, #20: “I really love racing in Monaco. We made up some places in the race and came away again with valuable points for the second race in a row – we are making solid progress.
“It’s great to drive for a team that isn’t afraid to take advantage of opportunities when they occur. I think it shows real racing spirit. We are making important gains in many areas and I want to play my part in continuing that momentum now.”
Adam Carroll, #47: “It was fun to be back racing in Monaco. I have great memories of racing here and today’s race was really exciting. Racing a technical circuit like this while managing your energy and pace brings its own challenges.”
“Luck didn’t go our way with the safety car today but we focused on our racing and bringing the car home. A second consecutive points finish means a lot to the whole team.”
Panasonic Jaguar Racing now makes the short journey to Paris for the first back-to-back race weekend in the history of the sport. The Paris ePrix takes place on Saturday May 20.
The City of Lights plays host to the Formula E for the second time with the 1.93km, 14-turn circuit surrounding the historic Les Invalides area -including the Musée de Armée, right in the centre of the French capital.
James Barclay: “This is the first back-to-back race that we will experience in our first season, racing one weekend after another and this brings its own challenges. We have prepared for the unique demands of the Formula E championship and we’re looking forward to getting out there and racing on another new circuit.”
“Racing right in the heart of this iconic City, the Paris ePrix is another example of how Formula E is bringing electric street racing to the fans. The circuit is very tight and challenging with a mix of medium and fast corners so set up will be crucial.”
“Mitch and Adam have been working hard with their engineers in the simulator to get to grips with the circuit but nothing prepares you better than getting there and experiencing the track for yourself. It promises to be another exciting weekend and I’m sure we will learn a lot from it.”
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