- Nelson Piquet Jr finishes in fourth place in Mexico City
- Mitch Evans flies from 12th to 6th
- Panasonic Jaguar Racing's best points finish to date and move the team to third position in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship
Mexico City, Mexico, Saturday 3 March 2018: Panasonic Jaguar Racing returned to Mexico City and achieved their highest ever Formula E points haul to move to third in the team standings. The successful race concludes a historic week for Jaguar following the launch of the new all-electric Jaguar I-PACE.
Brazilian Nelson Piquet Jr showcased his consistency and race craft with another strong performance. The team made a strategic decision to keep him out on track for one more lap compared to the rest of the field, giving Nelson more usable energy for the second half of the race. Nelson battled it out for a podium finish with Sebastian Buemi but settled for fourth and more valuable points.
Mitch Evans started in 12th position, and after a strong start in his Jaguar I-TYPE 2 the Kiwi driver rapidly moved into the top ten. A quick pit-stop put him in front of his team-mate but Nelson was able to safely overtake with more energy available and Mitch then had a clean run to the end finishing in sixth.
The British team's performance in Mexico City demonstrates a fast, consistent and reliable performance in their second season in the ABB FIA Formula E Championships. Panasonic Jaguar Racing move to third place in the team standings with 74 points. Both drivers have held their positions in the driver's championship with Nelson in fifth and Mitch in seventh place.
James Barclay, Team Director Panasonic Jaguar Racing: "It's a strong result for the team, the best ever points finish for Panasonic Jaguar Racing. Great progress was made by both drivers, demonstrating the speed of the Jaguar I-TYPE 2 and team this season. To come away from Mexico sitting in third position in the team's championship, it is clear that we have made huge steps forward and a podium will come soon. We only have a short break before we get back on track in Uruguay and we will renew our focus pushing forward and securing more points."
Nelson Piquet Jr, #3: "It was a solid race. Depending on the drivers around you, it's important to make a decision about whether to risk overtaking or conserve energy. A better starting position would have given us a podium, so this will be the aim for Punta del Este in a few days time. I believe the Jaguar I-TYPE 2 is the most consistent car on the track and hopefully soon we will be the quickest as we move towards a top three finish."
Mitch Evans, #20: "It was a good race for us. I started 12th and finished sixth so I'm definitely happy with that. It was a tough qualifying so I am excited to get another double points finish here in Mexico. The crowd in Mexico City was even bigger than last year and it was a great atmosphere to race in. I'm leaving now for the Geneva Motor Show and the debut of the Jaguar I-PACE before flying out to Punta. I'm really looking forward to my first visit and racing again so soon."
On Saturday 17 March Panasonic Jaguar Racing will race in Punta del Este for the sixth E-Prix of the ABB FIA Formula E Championships.
FanBoost opens for the sixth E-Prix of the season at 17:00 GMT on Monday 12 March and closes 19:10 GMT Saturday 17 March.
Tweet your boost using #MitchEvans or #NelsonPiquetJr and #FanBoost, or visit: http://fanboost.fiaformulae.com/
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For further information about Panasonic Jaguar Racing, please contact:
Adrian Atkinson, Global PR Manager, Panasonic Jaguar Racing
Tel: +44 (0) 7979 554 005
Email: aatkins5@jaguarlandrover.com
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.