Pretoria, 12 July 2023 – Jaguar TCS Racing returns to the streets of Rome this weekend, determined to continue the British team’s record of success in round thirteen and fourteen of the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Home to one of the most famous amphitheatres in the world, a new gladiator enters the ring as the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 takes to the streets of Rome for the first time. The 2023 Hankook Rome E-Prix marks Formula E’s fifth visit to the Circuito Cittadino dell’EUR since its inception in 2014. The all-electric Gen3 race car has proven to elevate the intensity of racing on display this season, and at one of the most challenging street circuits in the calendar, with 19 turns across 3.385km of uneven, undulating and elevated surfaces, it is a true test for both drivers and teams.
For the second time in the 2023 season, Jaguar TCS Racing is pleased to announce the return of Formula E rookie, Sheldon Van Der Linde, who will take part in Free Practice 0 on the Friday of the double-header weekend. Sheldon had a successful run out during the Berlin rookie test in April, topping session one times. The rookie test provides a fantastic opportunity to introduce drivers to all-electric racing and search for the next talent in Formula E.
Jaguar TCS Racing sits third in the teams’ standings, with Mitch Evans in fourth and Sam Bird in ninth.
James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal: “Rome is not only one of our favourite stops in the calendar, but it is also a phenomenal circuit, a true test of car and driver. With a lot of past success here it also holds a special place in the team’s memories. We’ve achieved great results here in the past, the fans are passionate and knowledgeable, and the true street circuit layout provides an incredible racing spectacle. Now more than ever, everyone at Jaguar TCS Racing understands the task at hand and we are focused on doing our best to execute a successful race weekend. Thanks to the hard work the team have put in this season, both World Championship titles are in touching distance, so we are hugely motivated and will remain focused on the task at hand, which is to deliver as many points as we can.”
Mitch Evans, Jaguar TCS Racing driver, #9: “We’ve had an incredible string of results in Rome, but as always, it’s so important to stay focused and not let the pressure get to us. Rome is one of my favourite tracks as it’s a true street circuit and I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of our Jaguar I-TYPE 6, but with the new Gen3 car and a new Hankook tyre, it’s going to be a challenge. I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got this weekend to stay in the championship fight.”
Sam Bird, Jaguar TCS Racing driver, #10: “The last few rounds have been challenging, but with this brings a lot of determination and hunger to show what we can do and put forward my best performance. Rome is an amazing location and with some of our greatest results here, I really believe Jaguar TCS Racing can continue to build its success as the end of the season closes in.”
Phil Charles, Jaguar TCS Racing Technical Manager: “Rome is a favourite track for a lot of the drivers and engineers, and there’s a reason for that! 3.385km, 19 corners, it’s a rollercoaster-like track with undulation, some flowing corners and twisty sections. For success you must have a car set-up that is able to ride over the really bumpy section up to turn 7, but also corners very efficiently in the tighter sections. This year the race is held in much hotter conditions than we have had previously, so that will be tricky for powertrains and tyres. We look forward to the challenge and racing once again in this incredible city.”
Sheldon Van Der Linde, Jaguar TCS Racing Rookie Driver: “I’m really excited to be joining Jaguar TCS Racing for my second rookie test with the team. My last time out in Berlin was really positive, and I gained a lot of experience in Formula E – topping the morning session timings was a real highlight. I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the Jaguar I-TYPE 6, to hopefully have another successful session while helping the engineers get some valuable data ahead of the Rome E-Prix. It’s the first time I’ll be driving a Formula E car on a proper street circuit, and Rome is probably one of the best tracks on the calendar, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Rounds thirteen and fourteen of the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship get underway at 3pm SA time on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July. Watch on SuperSport’s Football channel.
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