Pretoria, 17 April 2023 – Jaguar TCS Racing takes to the runway for the first European race of Season 9, with round seven and eight of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship this weekend in Berlin.
The Berlin E-Prix is well established in Formula E’s calendar, making an appearance in all nine seasons of the all-electric world championship. A country renowned for its connection to the automotive industry and motorsport heritage, the historic capital is set to see a new phase of all-electric racing with the Gen3. The Tempelhof Airport, a destination designed for aircraft, will instead host the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 over 2.355km of challenging concrete surfaces and 10 turns. On this familiar Formula E circuit, fans can anticipate more spectacular racing following the thrill at the São Paulo E-Prix.
The Berlin E-Prix will also see the long-awaited return of the rookie test, held on the Monday after the double-header. With a day full of running, Formula E gives the opportunity for new drivers to experience the power of the Gen3 car for the first time.
The strong performance Jaguar TCS Racing demonstrated in round six showed not only the performance capability of the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 but also determination and exceptional teamwork from the British team. A combination of skilful and tactical racing displayed by both drivers, strong race strategy and a high effective Jaguar powertrain delivered an ‘edge of your seat’ race; all of which are key elements the team will be looking to repeat in upcoming performances.
Jaguar TCS Racing sits third in the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship teams’ standings.
James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal: “São Paulo was a very memorable race for everyone here at Jaguar TCS Racing and we are all very proud of that performance. A race like this brings confidence and belief in what we can achieve this year and we will be doing our absolute best to repeat similar performances this year, we are not complacent though and realise it’s the hard work, repeating the processes and procedures and some good fortune that delivers results like Sao Paulo. Moving onto Berlin, it’s a track we are very familiar with but this year there is a full reset for all the teams. The Gen3 car is completely new and we are racing on new Hankook tyres which will behave very differently on the unique surface of the Tempelhof circuit. We’ve shown our speed across all circuit types this season so far so I feel we have a great baseline to work from and we will look to build our performance from there.”
Mitch Evans, Jaguar TCS Racing driver, #9: “São Paulo was a very special moment for me; the city, the atmosphere and the entire experience made the result one I won’t forget. Celebrating on the podium again, with the team, has given me that fire for Berlin. I’m excited to take the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 to this familiar track and know the whole team will be putting in lots of work to see what we can achieve there.”
Sam Bird, Jaguar TCS Racing driver, #10: “I’m feeling really positive after the result in Brazil, I knew the team and I had that performance in us, and I’m glad we could deliver my second podium of the season. Now onto Berlin, I know I have more to give and determined to keep building strong points!”
Phil Charles, Jaguar TCS Racing Technical Manager: “Berlin is a unique race event for the championship, some long and fast corners and an unusual track surface. I call the surface ‘pebblemac’ as it is actually made up of large concrete blocks with stones (the pebbles) pressed into the top surface. These stones are aggressive on the tyres and although it is a short lap, the percentage of time spent cornering is quite high so car setups need to complement the corner type and the unique cycle the tyres see. It is also a tricky energy management race and the sections between the concrete blocks put an interesting vibration through the car and powertrain parts. So, there is plenty to think about in Berlin but it’s a great track to go to!”
Jaguar TCS Racing will compete in round seven and eight of the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Berlin, Germany on 22 and 23 April at 3pm South Africa time. All practice, qualifying and race sessions will be aired live on SuperSport.
