Jaguar TCS Racing makes a return to Jakarta, Indonesia this weekend for rounds ten and eleven of the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
The British team heads into the third double-header of Season 9 hoping to continue a string of positive results. Against the backdrop of Jakarta Bay, the 2.37km, 18-turn circuit in the northern region of the capital is set to provide intense wheel-to-wheel action in high temperatures and intense humidity.
Last season’s inaugural Jakarta E-Prix, the first FIA-sanctioned race in Indonesia since 2006, saw Jaguar TCS Racing driver Mitch Evans take victory, finishing on the top-step of the podium after a decisive race in challenging hot and humid conditions.
Jaguar TCS Racing currently sit third in the Teams’ Championship, just 26 points behind the leader and Jaguar’s customer team, Envision Racing. So far this season, Jaguar powertrain cars have secured a combined total of four first-place finishes, 11 podiums and 338 championship points. Jaguar TCS Racing driver Mitch Evans is fourth in the driver standings, with teammate Sam Bird in seventh.
James Barclay, Team Principal, Jaguar TCS Racing: “While we’ve had some fantastic races recently – both for Jaguar TCS Racing and our customer team, we are not complacent, and our focus is firmly set on having two strong races in Jakarta. It’s a difficult race to manage as it can be physically tough for the drivers, the team and the car with high temperatures and humidity. It’s always good to return to the scene of success but we are realistic that with an all-new car, the Jaguar I-TYPE 6, and the new Hankook tyres it is a reset, and we cannot rely on what we did last year. As with all the races so far this season, tyre and energy management will be really important and success will require a perfectly executed race, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Mitch Evans, Jaguar TCS Racing driver #9: “The last run of races has been positive for us, and we’ve been able to close the gap in both the teams’ and drivers’ championships. It’s given the team some healthy momentum as we head into the next double-header. Jakarta is a physically challenging race, but I performed well there last season, so we’re feeling positive and we’ll push to bring home some strong points and podiums this weekend.”
Sam Bird, Jaguar TCS Racing driver #10: “Monaco was a tricky race for me and didn’t deliver the results we were hoping for, but I’m putting it firmly behind me and focusing on the double-header in Jakarta. There are twice the points available in one weekend, so it’s all to play for. We’ve been working hard as a team and it’s clear we have the performance, so I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”
Phil Charles, Jaguar TCS Racing Technical Manager: “The Jakarta E-Prix is one of the trickiest races to manage on the calendar, with sweltering temperatures and high humidity. Not only do we need to keep the battery, powertrain and tyres in the happy temperature window, we’ve got to keep the team in comfortable operating levels as well; and with a double header this time around, that will be a challenge. It’s a really fast, technical track and with unpredictable weather thrown into the mix as well – we will need to keep on our toes!”
The lights go green for rounds ten and eleven in Jakarta, Indonesia on 3 and 4 June at 10am South Africa time, aired live on SuperSport Variety 2.
Drop Stone
Still on the subject of cricket superstitions, the player with the most rituals performed during a match is arguably Neil McKenzie of South Africa. Before a game, for example, he would attach his cricket bat to the ceiling with tape. When it’s time for him to bat, he would check all the changing room lights to make sure they were shut off and that the toilet seats were down.
Blackexcalibur
The Confederation of African Rugby is the governing body of rugby union within Africa and currently has 37 members. It runs various rugby tournaments within Africa including the CAR Super 16 and the Africa Cup.