Accelerate table-topper Jajovski: 'I'll only work harder from here'

Join Formula E

Sign in or create your Formula E account

It's quick, easy and free to sign up

You'll get access to:

  • Helmet

    News. Analysis. Exclusive Features

  • Schedule

    Priority Booking. Early Bird Pricing

  • Trophy

    Competitions. Discounts. Experiences

  • Podium

    Predict. Vote. Win.

TO CONTINUE READING...

You will need to sign in or create a Formula E account.

Accelerate table-topper Jajovski: 'I'll only work harder from here'

Accelerate table-topper Jajovski: 'I'll only work harder from here'

Erhan Jajovski has taken to Formula E: Accelerate like a duck to water. The ROKiT Venturi Racing driver waltzed to a Round 1 win, lights-to-flag, and matched the feat last time out at Hong Kong, this time fending off some intense last-gasp pressure from Frederik Rasmussen (DRAGON / PENSKE AUTOSPORT).

Jajovksi's composure has been something to behold so far in Formula E: Accelerate.

Whilst others of equally high calibre have suffered some teething trouble in adapting to the energy management now required of them in Formula E's latest esports series, the North Macedonian has been unshakable - leading from the front from qualifying onwards in each of the opening two rounds.

He flew out of the blocks with victory in the opener for a dream start, instantly laying down a marker for the rest of the top-tier sim racers to aim for. Jajovski then made it two from two with victory at Hong Kong's Harbourfront Circuit, despite Rasmussen - himself the fastest driver in the competition's preliminary qualifying round - hassling him all the way.

 

"I feel amazing with how things went in Hong Kong," said the 24-year-old. "It was a perfect event for me with great execution in both qualifying and the race. I felt really comfortable during the last two thirds of the race with a nice cushion of about 1.5 or two seconds to Rasmussen, and I thought I was in control.


READ MORE: Mueller teases 'tricks' ahead of Accelerate trip to Tempelhof

"But, I noticed my energy consumption was running higher than it was supposed to be. It could be that the track had rubbered in more, meaning I had to work harder to turn the car and use more energy, so I had to save earlier and that gave him the chance to catch up at the end.

"Luckily, he was in the same position and on the edge of his energy management, too, so I managed to hold on but it was really nerve-wracking seeing Rasmussen right on my tail for the final couple of laps. I just focused on staying calm and finishing the job.

"He managed his energy slightly better than me, so I’ve been looking at the data to see what went wrong in the race and where I can improve for Berlin. It allowed him to be just plain faster than me, there’s no need to sugarcoat what happened at the end there, so I’ll just work hard to improve for the next races."

0aaa7ff0d0e94afe88ff51b59b89a8b5

Pushing the limits

So, it's been more than a fine start for the esports pro - a racer his peers have nicknamed "the rFactor 2 GOAT" such is his prowess in Studio 397's simulation - despite the added challenge for this competition of ATTACK MODE and energy management to think about.

Ominously, heading into the middle third of the six-race series, he feels he's just getting started, and that continued hard work and impeccable application is the only way with every competitor fighting tooth and nail for a slice of a minimum €100,000 prize pot and a real-world Gen2 test drive.

READ MORE: Siggy working on nerves to make 'advantage' count in Round 3

"After two poles and two race wins, I feel great and I’m only going to work harder as the series goes on," adds Jajovski. "We’re still at the beginning, so everything can happen. I’m trying to push the limits even further.

"I need to work really hard to improve for the next races, that's for sure. After two poles in two races, I feel really great and motivated to work even harder for the next races."