After a mixed start to Formula E Season 11, Jaguar TCS Racing arrive in Jeddah determined to return to the front.
Jaguar and Evans Ready to Bounce Back: “Jaguar Need a Strong Weekend”
Jaguar have shown impressive pace, but inconsistency has cost valuable points. With a double-header weekend ahead, this is a prime chance for Jaguar to regain momentum before the long mid-season break.
Mitch Evans started the season in perfect fashion with a victory in São Paulo. But his fortunes took a turn in Mexico City, where contact with Nico Müller forced him to retire while running in the points.
That setback dropped him in the standings, making Jeddah a crucial weekend.
“Racing on a new circuit always presents unique challenges, but I’m excited to go to Jeddah. Mexico was frustrating, but we’ve regrouped as a team. The goal is to have two Jaguar’s Hunt for Victory this weekend.” – Mitch Evans.
Evans knows that a poor weekend could leave him playing catch-up for the rest of the year, while two strong finishes could put him right back in the title fight.
One key aspect will be qualifying performance.
So far this season, Jaguar’s I-Type 7 has shown solid race pace but has struggled to extract the most from single-lap runs. A better starting position in Jeddah could make the difference in a championship that is already proving to be fiercely competitive.
READ MORE: Formula E: McLaren in Search of a Comeback at Jeddah Double-Header
Cassidy in Need of a Turnaround
While Evans has at least tasted victory this season, things have been far tougher for teammate Nick Cassidy.
The New Zealander, who finished runner-up in Season 10, has endured a pointless start to his Jaguar career.
It’s a surprising situation for one of the most consistent drivers of the Gen3 era. But there’s no better place for a comeback than Saudi Arabia – a location that holds special significance for him.
Last year in Diriyah, Cassidy won Round 3 of the Diriyah E-Prix, securing his first victory with the team and his first of the season.
After finishing third in both the season opener in Mexico City and Round 2 in Diriyah, Cassidy delivered a flawless race, overtaking Robin Frijns and Oliver Rowland on his way to the top step of the podium.
After a controlled start, Cassidy made the most of attack mode to take the lead and build a 2.5-second gap at the front.
Despite late pressure from Frijns and Rowland, the New Zealander kept his composure to seal victory in his 50th Formula E race.
With that win, he moved to the top of the Drivers’ Championship with an 18-point lead, while Jaguar TCS Racing strengthened their position at the top of the Teams’ standings.
“We’ve worked very hard since Mexico and hope to turn that into results in Jeddah. I have great memories of racing in Saudi Arabia with Jaguar, including my first win with the team last year. It would be great to continue in that direction.” – Nick Cassidy.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit could suit Cassidy’s strengths. The track, while different from the high-speed Formula 1 layout, will still feature a fast-flowing nature with technical sections.
Cassidy has historically excelled in races where energy management and overtaking opportunities come into play, making him one to watch this weekend.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: A Beginner’s Guide to IndyCar
Jaguar’s Strategic Challenge: The Pit Boost Factor
Jamie Chadwick will take the wheel of the Jaguar I-TYPE 7 in an additional Rookie Free Practice session on Thursday, February 13.
This session marks the second time Chadwick will experience the Jaguar I-TYPE 7. The previous time was during the Formula E’s Women’s Test in Madrid, Spain, last year. She also participated in the Marrakesh Rookie Test in 2020.
SQUAD 👊#JeddahEPrix pic.twitter.com/fYkpLMjRxj
— Jaguar TCS Racing (@JaguarRacing) February 12, 2025
A major storyline for the weekend will be the introduction of Pit Boost, a brand-new feature for Season 11. This will require all drivers to make a mandatory pit stop to unlock additional energy, adding an extra layer of strategy to the races.
For Jaguar TCS Racing, nailing this element could be the key to success. With their cars often stronger in race conditions than in qualifying, optimizing Pit Boost usage could allow them to gain positions and fight for the podium.
“A double-header means there are plenty of opportunities to score big points. We’ve analyzed every aspect of our performance and feel ready for this challenge.” – James Barclay, Jaguar Team Principal.
Keep Saudi Success Going
Formula E’s move from Diriyah to Jeddah marks a new chapter in its history, but Jaguar hopes to continue its tradition of strong performances in Saudi Arabia.
With two races under the lights, plenty of overtaking opportunities, and the added unpredictability of Pit Boost, this weekend has all the ingredients for a thrilling showdown.
This event also marks a new chapter for the championship.
After five seasons and 11 races held in Diriyah, Formula E moves to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, making Saudi Arabia the sixth country to host the series in two different cities.
The new track brings fresh challenges, but Jaguar’s history of success in the region – highlighted by wins in Diriyah – suggests they could be serious contenders once again.
With all eyes on the first-ever Jeddah E-Prix, one thing is clear – Jaguar are ready to make a statement.
READ NEXT: Formula E Flies to Jeddah: It’s Time for the Pit Boost Debut
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PsnewZ
Recording Date: 12.02.2025
