Jaguar TCS Racing will begin their campaign for the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on Saturday 14 January, as the season opener and first race of the Gen3 era takes place in Mexico City.
Lights go green at 14:00 local time at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, which will see the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 make its race debut as the all-electric race series enters the Gen3 era, encompassing new technical, sporting and financial regulations. Jaguar’s new race car is the fastest, lightest and most efficient to date.
Putting the new car through its paces and competing against 20 other drivers will be Jaguar TCS Racing’s experienced duo, New Zealander Mitch Evans and Briton Sam Bird. The drivers are no strangers to the racetrack, with Mitch Evans victorious in 2020, and Sam Bird achieving a podium and significant points hauls in previous visits. This year, the drivers will need to execute their skills across the long straights, challenging corners and the new chicane section through the now famous Foro Sol stadium.
Following the new race format, drivers will battle it out over 36 laps of the racetrack, as opposed to last season which saw the race determined by a set amount of time.
Located in the heart of Mexico City, this legendary circuit is one of the most thrilling race locations for the 2023 season, with last year’s E-Prix bringing in a record-breaking crowd of over 40,000.
Season 9 will see the team take on the Mexico City track for the sixth time, with sights firmly set on regular points and podiums.
James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal: “We had a very positive year in 2022 with some real highlights but we did just miss out on the top spot. This has given the team even more motivation to be in a position to fight for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Team and Driver titles this season. With our experienced team, Mitch, Sam and the all-new Gen3 Jaguar I-TYPE 6, we’ve certainly got an exciting season ahead against world class opposition. With so much to learn about the new Gen3 cars, new race format and Hankook tyres, this first race in Mexico will be about trying to be as prepared as we can be and ready to adapt.”
Mitch Evans, Jaguar TCS Racing driver, #9: “Last season was my most successful in Formula E, so I’m using that momentum to kick start this season and focus on achieving a positive result in the first round. I have fond memories of winning in Mexico City in 2020, so I’m feeling ready for a strong start to the season.”
Sam Bird, Jaguar TCS Racing driver, #10: “I can’t wait to get back onto the track in Mexico City, especially as we know we can look forward to an incredible crowd. I remember hearing the cheers of the crowd through my helmet, there’s no feeling like it. I’m ready to put on a show and get the season off to the best possible start.”
Phil Charles, Jaguar TCS Racing Technical Manager: “It’s always a pleasure to be racing in Mexico’s capital city. The spectators are always on good form and the atmosphere in the stadium section is really special. We are also excited within the team to see the Gen3 cars in race action for the first time. Having said that, we know this track is a challenge; while ambient temperatures aren’t forecast as particularly high for this visit, the addition of the chicane on the back straight means the tyres don’t get much time to cool down around the lap. The final corner is also one of the trickiest high-speed corners we encounter through the season. So, setups, systems and drivers need to be fully in sync if you want to do well in Mexico City.”