TAG Heuer Fastest Lap

The 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will continue in Rome for another double-header on 15 and 16 July

Pretoria, 26 June 2023 – Mitch Evans pulled back crucial points and the fastest lap in an intense Portland E-Prix, following a tough qualifying in round twelve of the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

While also celebrating his 29th birthday, Mitch finished the Portland debut in fourth place, after an almighty 16-place climb from the back of the grid. Mitch and the team’s decisive performance in Formula E’s most strategic “peloton-style” race to date saw the Jaguar driver move from 17th to second place within the space of three laps.

Mitch also showcased the pace of the Jaguar I-TYPE 6, delivering an impressive time of 1:11:26 on Lap 27 and taking home the TAG Heuer Fastest Lap title. This additional point meant Mitch gained 13 points, reaffirming his position in the fight for the championship title.

British driver Sam Bird also drove a clever race with strong pace when it mattered and crossed the finish line in seventh. Unfortunately, Sam received a post-race time penalty following contact with Maserati MSG Racing driver Maximilian Günther. As a result, he finished the Portland E-Prix in 17th place and lost out on his well-earned points.

Earlier in the day, both drivers competed in Group B of qualifying, which saw Sam line up in 15th on the grid. Mitch was unfortunately unable to participate in qualifying due to a battery issue with his Jaguar I-TYPE 6, and as a result, lined up P20 ahead of the race.

Customer team, Envision Racing, put on a strong display, with Nick Cassidy clinching the top spot and teammate Sébastien Buemi finishing in fifth.

Mitch Evans remains fourth in the drivers’ standings, with Sam Bird in ninth.

Jaguar TCS Racing remains third in the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship teams’ standings.

James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal: “A challenging day that ended well, with both cars in the top ten as the chequered flag fell. The team has been brilliant. Managing a circuit power cut in the morning and then a battery failure on Mitch’s car put us on the back foot. To therefore come back with Mitch from 20th to finish fourth, just missing out on the podium, and securing fastest lap was a great achievement. Sam had an excellent race and his subsequent penalty, which we thought was a racing incident only, has cost us important championship points. The performance of all Jaguars in the race is a positive sign but it’s clear that it’s becoming incredibly close at this point in the season – so we need to keep pushing.”

Mitch Evans, Jaguar TCS Racing driver, #9: “We had a problem after FP2, so it was a massive race to get the car ready again and the team did a great job. Even after all the hard work, I unfortunately still wasn’t able to qualify which meant I started at the back. When we got into the race, the team and I executed our plan pretty well. I found myself in second at one stage with good energy and thought I might be able to secure a podium. To finish fourth is still good so I’m glad we’ve salvaged something from the race. We’re at that part of the championship where you need to perfectly execute races, but I’m up for it and can’t wait to get to Rome.”

Sam Bird, Jaguar TCS Racing driver, #10: “I genuinely believe I could have fought for a podium. The Jaguar I-TYPE 6 was quick, we were very efficient, but it was one of those days where things didn’t go my way. My race itself was quite good and I climbed eight places to cross the line in seventh, but the penalty pushed me back out of the points, and I feel like I can’t catch a break. Now I’ll be looking ahead to Rome and the final four races of the season.”

Jaguar TCS Racing heads to Rome, Italy for the penultimate double-header of the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on 15 and 16 July 2023.