Mitch Evans 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 shootout to secure the Julius Baer Pole Position trophy and three valuable points. Said Mitch after the race, “This has given the team a real lift, and shows how far we have come.”
His teammate, Nelson Piquet Jr, started 11th 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. It was a full-course yellow that ultimately caused the error that scuppered Mitch’s chances of a podium, after he was among a number of drivers who were penalised with a drive-through penalty. He finished the historic Swiss race in seventh. Piquet Jr suffered early contact and the damage forced him to pit early for repairs. Following the car change, he was a lap down from the leaders, which ultimately led to his retirement. He said, “The beginning of the season has been good. Amixture of bad luck and incidents has been disappointing in recent races.”
However, thanks to Mitch’s seventh place, Jaguar retains fifth position in the team standings. James Barclay, team director for Panasonic Jaguar Racing, said, “It has been fantastic to be part of a series that has brought motor racing back to Switzerland after 64 years.
“We made history here in Zurich as we secured our first pole position in Formula E, demonstrating the speed the team has, and is a real positive to take to the final two races in New York. Mitch had a good start to the race but, along with a number of drivers, was penalised under the full-course yellow, which comprised his race. However, he brought the Jaguar I-TYPE 2 home to deliver more points for the team.
“It was a slightly frustrating end result, but we know we have a good car that can deliver points for the team.”
Mitch Evans with his trophy for securing Jaguar Racing’s debut pole
