Pretoria, South Africa – 11 November 2024: Jaguar TCS Racing has completed a productive pre-season test at Madrid’s Circuito del Jarama, unveiling the highly anticipated Jaguar I-TYPE 7 Prototype. With its new GEN3 Evo specification, this cutting-edge Formula E challenger marks a pivotal moment for the British team, which clinched the 2024 Teams’ World Championship. The test provided crucial insights and a significant performance boost ahead of the season’s opening race in São Paulo, Brazil, on 7 December 2024.
Mitch Evans Shines with Fastest Time
The week-long testing event was an opportunity for Jaguar TCS Racing to refine its new car and adapt to a range of technical advancements. With Mitch Evans behind the wheel, the team recorded a standout performance, with the New Zealander clocking the fastest lap of the week at 1:27.461. His impressive lap time demonstrated the Jaguar I-TYPE 7’s potential and highlighted the team’s ongoing development in the lead-up to the season opener.
Evans, alongside teammate Nick Cassidy, ran the I-TYPE 7 through a rigorous program that included high-speed race simulations, technical trials, and an exploration of new elements such as the all-wheel-drive system, advanced Pit Boost charging, updated Attack Mode, and Hankook iON tyres. These tests are essential for ensuring that the team can extract maximum performance from the car as they battle for supremacy in Formula E’s most competitive season to date.
Celebrating Jaguar’s Formula E Legacy
The testing livery for the I-TYPE 7 was a celebratory design, paying homage to Jaguar TCS Racing’s 16 victories in Formula E, a testament to the team’s success and dedication. While the livery for the season’s races remains under wraps, the pre-season reveal has sparked excitement for what’s to come in Season 11.
Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal James Barclay expressed his gratitude to Formula E Operations for swiftly organizing the event after logistical challenges. “It has been a really constructive week for the team. We showed positive signs of performance across the week, and the drivers have worked diligently through the program with the new I-TYPE 7 Formula E car. We are looking forward to what lies ahead in Brazil,” said Barclay.
Groundbreaking All-Women Test Session
A particularly exciting milestone during the test was the first-ever all-women test session in FIA Championship history. As part of Formula E’s ongoing commitment to diversity, the session saw Jamie Chadwick, Britain’s most decorated female racing driver, drive the Jaguar I-TYPE 7, showcasing both her exceptional skill and the growing role of women in motorsport. Chadwick finished second overall in the session, impressing the team with her professionalism and speed.
While Lilou Wadoux was unable to take part due to a seat-fit issue, she received praise from the team for her contributions and will be given another opportunity to test in the future. The inclusion of such talented drivers is a key step in ensuring the continued evolution of Formula E and its mission to create more inclusive, dynamic motorsport.
Insight from the Drivers
Jaguar TCS Racing’s drivers shared their thoughts on the test, emphasizing the importance of these sessions in preparing for the upcoming season.
Evans reflected on the progress made during the week, stating, “It is still early days with the Jaguar I-TYPE 7, but we’ve gathered a lot of data, and as the week progressed, we managed to get the car into the right performance window. We’ve made good progress, and I hope to continue this development as we head towards Brazil.”
Cassidy, also enthusiastic about the test results, added, “This week has been crucial for gathering miles and refining the I-TYPE 7. There’s still a lot to discover, but the progress we’ve made is encouraging, and the team’s hard work is evident.”
Chadwick, who was making her first appearance in a GEN3 Evo car, echoed the positive sentiment. “It was a fantastic experience to drive the Jaguar I-TYPE 7. The track in Madrid was awesome, and while my final run was a bit messy due to red flags and traffic, I really enjoyed the day and working with the Jaguar team. I’m looking forward to the next opportunity in Berlin,” she said.
Looking Ahead: São Paulo and Beyond
As the test concluded, the focus shifted towards the 2024/2025 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, which kicks off in São Paulo, Brazil, in December. The Jaguar I-TYPE 7, now refined with the GEN3 Evo specification, will be ready for its public debut on the racetrack, where it will compete for the top spot against fierce rivals.
Jaguar TCS Racing’s continued commitment to innovation and excellence promises to make Season 11 one of the most exciting and competitive yet. With the combination of the new GEN3 Evo technology, an experienced driver lineup, and a determined team, Jaguar is poised to take on the challenges of the Formula E circuit and aim for its 17th victory in the championship.
The São Paulo E-Prix, the opening round of the 2024/2025 season, will not only mark the beginning of a new era for Jaguar but also set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling season in the world of Formula E.
