Jaguar TCS Racing’s Nick Cassidy had a strong start to his Season 10 campaign with his new team, after finishing the Mexico City E-Prix in third. It was the team’s first piece of silverware this year, and he’ll be hoping to replicate that success over the Diriyah double-header this weekend.
Cassidy previously raced for the Envision Racing team for three years, who are the reigning Teams’ Champions and have competed in Formula E since the start. He helped deliver them 12 podiums and five wins during his time with the team - four of the victories being in Season 9.
However, the Kiwi driver made the switch to Jaguar, who are the supplier of Envision’s powertrain, from this season. He lines up alongside his compatriot Mitch Evans, with the two having a long history as mates and former teammates in their teenage years.
“I've got some steps to go to get everything together on my side of the garage and get me feeling to the level I was at the end of last year,” Cassidy told the media ahead of the Diriyah E-Prix double-header, “but we have a light in the tunnel.”
When asked about how he’s feeling at Jaguar, he replied that he was “loving it” after his time at Envision.
“It's just mega to have a team behind me,” he added. “I haven't had that probably for three to four years. So it's a big difference. I feel really good and quite lucky.”
Despite the third place finish in Mexico, Cassidy remained cool, calm and collected when discussing his expectations for this weekend.
“To be honest, I think our car at this track should be quite good. I think [Jake Hughes of NEOM McLaren and Jean-Eric Vergne of DS PENSKE] will be really strong as well. Mitch was strong last year. I have historically struggled here a little bit, so not expecting big. Hopefully we can score a few points and hopefully have a good weekend.”
After Free Practice 1, Cassidy finished in 11th with Evans in sixth. Dust and dirt meant that the 2.49km circuit was even more challenging than normal, but track evolution was quick and meant the times kept tumbling as the session drew to a close.
Cassidy will start qualifying in Group A alongside his teammate, Championship leader TAG Heuer Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein, reigning World Champion Jake Dennis of Andretti and yesterday’s FP1-topper Oliver Rowland from Nissan.
“In Formula E, you always have tough qualifying groups right? There's a lot of fast cars, but Saturday will be a big one.”
We can’t wait as things get underway at 15:20 local time, with the race starting at 20:00 later this evening. Find out how to watch where you are HERE.