After experiencing a mixed beginning to Formula E Season 11, Jaguar TCS Racing arrives in Jeddah with a renewed determination to reclaim their position at the forefront of the championship.

Jaguar and Mitch Evans Gear Up for a High-Impact Weekend: “Jaguar Requires a Strong Performance”

Jaguar TCS Racing has demonstrated remarkable speed throughout the season; however, inconsistency has hindered their ability to accumulate crucial points. With a double-header weekend on the horizon, this presents a golden opportunity for Jaguar to regain their competitive edge before the lengthy mid-season hiatus.

Mitch Evans kicked off the season spectacularly with a victory in São Paulo. Unfortunately, his fortunes shifted dramatically in Mexico City, where an incident involving Nico Müller forced him to retire while he was still in contention for points.

This unfortunate setback significantly impacted his standing in the championship, making the Jeddah race weekend particularly critical for his prospects.

“Competing on a new circuit always introduces distinct challenges, but I’m looking forward to racing in Jeddah. The situation in Mexico was disappointing, but our team has regrouped. Our aim is to have both Jaguars vying for victory this weekend.” – Mitch Evans.

Evans recognizes that a disappointing weekend in Jeddah could result in him needing to play catch-up for the remainder of the season, whereas achieving two strong finishes could catapult him right back into the championship contention.

A pivotal factor in this upcoming race will be the team’s performance in qualifying.

To date, Jaguar’s I-Type 7 has exhibited solid race pace but has faced challenges in maximizing its potential during qualifying laps. A stronger starting position in Jeddah could prove pivotal in a championship that is already shaping up to be intensely competitive.

READ MORE: Formula E: McLaren in Pursuit of a Comeback at Jeddah Double-Header

Nick Cassidy Seeks a Much-Needed Turnaround

While Mitch Evans has at least celebrated a victory this season, the journey has been significantly more challenging for his teammate, Nick Cassidy.

The New Zealander, who was the runner-up in Season 10, has experienced a frustrating start to his tenure with Jaguar, having failed to score any points thus far.

This unexpected situation is particularly surprising for one of the most reliable drivers of the Gen3 era. However, there’s no better place for a resurgence than in Saudi Arabia, a location that holds special significance for him.

Last year in Diriyah, Cassidy clinched his first victory with the team in Round 3 of the Diriyah E-Prix, marking a significant milestone in his career.

After finishing third in both the season opener in Mexico City and Round 2 in Diriyah, Cassidy executed a perfect race, overtaking Robin Frijns and Oliver Rowland to ascend to the top of the podium.

After a well-controlled start, Cassidy effectively utilized attack mode to seize the lead and establish a 2.5-second advantage at the forefront of the race.

Despite facing late pressure from Frijns and Rowland, the New Zealander maintained his composure to secure victory in his 50th Formula E race, an impressive achievement.

With that triumph, he ascended to the top of the Drivers’ Championship with an 18-point lead, while Jaguar TCS Racing solidified their position at the pinnacle of the Teams’ standings.

“We’ve put in a tremendous amount of effort since Mexico, and we hope to translate that into results in Jeddah. I have fond memories of racing in Saudi Arabia with Jaguar, including last year’s first win with the team. Continuing in that direction would be fantastic.” – Nick Cassidy.

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit could align well with Cassidy’s strengths as a driver. Although the track differs from the high-speed Formula 1 layout, it still features a fast-flowing nature complemented by technical sections that challenge drivers.

Cassidy has consistently performed well in races that demand energy management and present overtaking opportunities, making him a key competitor to watch this weekend.

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Jaguar Faces a Strategic Challenge: Understanding the Pit Boost Dynamics

Jamie Chadwick will take the wheel of the Jaguar I-TYPE 7 in an additional Rookie Free Practice session on Thursday, February 13.

This practice session marks Chadwick’s second opportunity to experience the Jaguar I-TYPE 7, having previously driven it during 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 significant storyline for the upcoming weekend will be the implementation of Pit Boost, a brand-new feature introduced for Season 11. This will require all drivers to execute a mandatory pit stop to unlock additional energy, thereby adding a strategic layer to the races.

For Jaguar TCS Racing, mastering this element could be crucial for achieving success. Given that their cars typically perform better in race conditions than during qualifying, optimizing the use of Pit Boost could enable them to gain valuable positions and contend for a spot on the podium.

“A double-header weekend presents numerous opportunities to accumulate significant points. We’ve scrutinized every aspect of our performance and feel prepared for this challenge.” – James Barclay, Jaguar Team Principal.

Maintain the Momentum of Success in Saudi Arabia

Formula E’s transition from Diriyah to Jeddah signifies a new chapter in the championship’s narrative, but Jaguar is eager to uphold its tradition of strong performances in Saudi Arabia.

With two races set to unfold under the lights, ample overtaking opportunities, and the added unpredictability of Pit Boost, this weekend holds all the elements for a captivating showdown.

This event also represents a significant milestone for the championship.

After five seasons and 11 races held in Diriyah, Formula E is now hosted at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, making Saudi Arabia the sixth country to feature the series in two distinct cities.

The new track introduces fresh challenges, yet Jaguar’s successful history in the region, highlighted by numerous wins in Diriyah, suggests they could emerge as serious contenders once again.

With all eyes on the inaugural Jeddah E-Prix, one thing is certain – Jaguar is prepared to make a significant impact.

READ NEXT: Formula E Flies to Jeddah: It’s Time for the Debut of Pit Boost

Main Photo

Credit: IMAGO / PsnewZ

Recording Date: 12.02.2025