Jaguar I-TYPE 2 all Electric narrowly wins out. Gladly, on the podium finish in hard-fought E-Prix. Mitch Evans delivers more points for the team finishing in P9. Finally, Panasonic Jaguar Racing record team’s best qualifying result P3
Rome, Italy, Saturday 14 April 2018. Panasonic Jaguar Racing were once again at the heart of the action. In the latest round of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, the team’s record of scoring points in the 2017/18 season continued.
For them this is a season of firsts. Mitch delivered the team’s highest ever starting place of third place. In addition, with team-mate Nelson starting 13th on the grid.
Both Nelson and Mitch made solid starts. Without question, they managed the energy of their Jaguar’s efficiently. As the half way point of the race approached, Nelson pitted first for the team. He encountered difficulties with his seatbelts as he pulled away from the garage. Thereby, he retired shortly after.
Following a successful car change on lap 16, Mitch was in it. Yup. he was in the midst of a nail-biting battle.
While running as high as second, the Kiwi driver was battling hard. Finally, Sam Bird got the win. On lap 29 Mitch attacked into turn 9 but the Virgin driver defended the inside and he lost momentum depleting his energy reserves. He eventually crossed the line in ninth.
The British team now moves on to Paris for the next round of the ABB FIA Formula E. Nelson sits sixth in the Championship with Mitch seventh.
James Barclay, Team Director Panasonic Jaguar Racing: “A real shame about the result today after showing great form over the weekend with our best qualifying place of P3. There was a chance of a win or podium but we used too much energy and we had to back off to finish the race. Another really good step forward for us and positive for the team. We are racers and will always aim for the top – it just wasn’t meant for today. Rome hosted a fantastic Italian Formula E début and we have good momentum now for Paris in a few days time.”
Mitch Evans, #20: “Qualifying was good but I’m gutted as we chance to win today. Coming away with points for the team is positive but we could have had a lot more which is hard to take. I had my eyes on the prize but well done to Sam (Bird). Hopefully we can be fighting for a podium in Paris.”
Nelson Piquet Jr, “The day started off well with fastest time in FP1. We tried to do something different in qualifying which unfortunately didn’t work out. I was confident in the race as we know we have pace and efficiency but today wasn’t our day. I had a seat belt issue in the pit lane so I had to stop to put them back on which took too much time. Mitch had a great race but we can learn as a team from this one. Rome was an amazing event, the track was cool and the fans were passionate.”
The début Rome E-Prix marked Jaguar Racing’s title partner Panasonic’s 100th anniversary with bespoke ‘lightbulb’ logos adorning the Jaguar I-TYPEs. On Saturday 28 April Panasonic Jaguar Racing will return to Paris for the next round of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship.
FanBoost opens for the seventh E-Prix of the season at 17:00 BST on Monday 23 April and closes 15:10 GMTonSaturday 28 April.
Tweet your boost using #MitchEvans or #NelsonPiquetJr and #FanBoost, or visit: http://fanboost.fiaformulae.com/
Source: PANASONIC JAGUAR RACING
