São Paulo provided us with many big storylines, but one of the standout moments from race day was the total domination of the Jaguar TCS Racing team and their powertrains. Achieving the first powertrain podium lock-out seen in this new generation of Formula E, Mitch Evans stormed to victory with Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy in second and Evans’ Jaguar teammate Sam Bird in third.
After a turbulent start to Season 9 for the Jaguar team, the victory has helped deliver the British team a great deal of confidence going into the Berlin double-header this weekend.
“São Paulo was a very memorable race for everyone here at Jaguar TCS Racing and we are all very proud of that performance,” James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal said about their double podium finish in Brazil.
READ MORE: The full Berlin preview
“A race like this brings confidence and belief in what we can achieve this year and we will be doing our absolute best to repeat similar performances this year. We are not complacent though and realise it’s the hard work, repeating the processes and procedures and some good fortune that delivers results like São Paulo.
“Moving onto Berlin, it’s a track we are very familiar with but this year there is a full reset for all teams. The GEN3 car is completely new and we are racing on new Hankook tyres which will behave very differently on the unique surface of the Tempelhof circuit. We’ve shown our speed across all circuit types this season so far so I feel we have a great baseline to work from and we will look to build our performance from there.”
The recognisable circuit around the Tempelhof airport is an iconic staple on the Formula E calendar, having been part of championship since the very first season. However, despite the familiarity of the track, it always throws up a challenge and some fantastic racing.
WATCH: Formula E's best of Berlin
“Berlin is a unique race event for the championship - some long and fast corners and an unusual track surface,” Phil Charles, Jaguar TCS Racing Technical Manager added about the venue.
“I call the surface ‘pebblemac’ as it is actually made up of large concrete blocks with stones - the pebbles - pressed into the top surface. These stones are aggressive on the tyres and although it is a short lap, the percentage of time spent cornering is quite high so car setups need to compliment the corner type and the unique cycle the tyres see. In addition, it's a tricky energy management race so there is plenty to think about in Berlin but it’s a great track to go to!”
Fresh from his win in São Paulo, Evans says that his recent victory has helped to relight a fire within him as heads to Berlin. He’ll be looking to improve on his best result here, a third place in Season 7.
“São Paulo was a very special moment for me; the city, the atmosphere and the entire experience made the result one I won’t forget. Celebrating on the podium again, with the team, has given me that fire for Berlin. I’m excited to take the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 to this familiar track and know the whole team will be putting in lots of work to see what we can achieve there.”