Jaguar returned to motorsport in 2016, joining Formula E’s third season. Now in its eighth season of competition, over the last 99 races Jaguar TCS Racing have grown to become a leading manufacturer and front-running team in the all-electric world championship, achieving 13 wins, 36 podiums, and a total of 1,139 championship points.
The Tokyo E-Prix will also be the 100th race for a number of key Jaguar TCS Racing team members, including Kiwi racing driver Mitch Evans and Team Principal James Barclay, both having been with the team since its inception. Rvans has personally achieved 10 wins and 26 podiums with the team – in the process becoming one of Jaguar’s all-time most successful works drivers – with all 100 of his races seeing him work alongside race engineer, Josep Roca.
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“I was just 22 years old when I first raced for Jaguar TCS Racing, it’s crazy how fast time goes," says Evans. "During our time together, we have been on a huge journey of both learning and growth, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved. Everyone in the team has helped me to develop both on and off the track, and I’m truly grateful for their ongoing support.
“After 99 races in Formula E, we are still targeting our first World Championship winner’s trophy, for both myself as a driver and for the team, after being so close a number of times. Hopefully, my 100th race at the Tokyo E-Prix is one that takes us take another step closer towards that goal.”
To mark the 100th race, both Evans and teammate Cassidy will wear bespoke race suits featuring the names of team members, employee competition winners and racing partners. Both I-TYPE 6 race cars will also feature special 100th race liveries.
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Over the last eight seasons, Jaguar TCS Racing has raced to innovate electric vehicle technology, both on and off the track. Through its ‘Race to Road’ strategy, the team is helping shape the future of mobility through proving technology on the racetrack that will directly benefit the next generation of Jaguar electric vehicles on the road. With Jaguar set to become a pure-electric brand from 2025, it’s as exciting a time for Jaguar off the track as it is for the team on it.
Japan’s debut race is set to be a showstopper, taking place on the streets surrounding the Tokyo Bay waterfront. The 2.582km circuit consists of 18 challenging turns for the drivers to navigate, including a testing first sector from T1 to T8. Japan is steeped in motorsport heritage, with Jaguar TCS Racing excited to play a part in writing Japanese motorsport’s next chapter as Formula E will be the first world championship to race on Tokyo’s iconic streets.
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The Tokyo E-Prix will also see Jaguar TCS Racing driver Nick Cassidy return to the country in which he forged his racing reputation. The 29-year-old raced in Japan between 2015 and 2020 and is the only driver ever to achieve the prestigious Japanese ‘Triple Crown’ through winning the Formula 3, Super Formula and Super GT titles. Cassidy is looking to continue to build upon his formidable record in Japan at the 2024 Tokyo E-Prix.
“Although I have only competed for Jaguar TCS Racing in four of its 100-race journey," says Cassidy. "During this time I’ve been able to witness the great progress made over the last eight seasons and have been able to add to our points, podiums and wins tally. I’m really proud to be a part of making history with the team and am looking forward to more races together.
“Tokyo is such an exciting race for me. I spent a large period of my racing career in Japan, and I’m ready to return with fantastic memories. The Japanese fans are very passionate about their motorsport, so I’m hoping I can give them something to cheer about.”
James Barclay, Managing Director, JLR Motorsport and Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal adds: “Myself and the team are extremely proud to reach this centennial milestone in our Formula E journey. Creating the fabric of this team right from the start in 2015/2016 has and continues to be a hugely proud achievement. I am honoured to work alongside an incredible group of people that have helped grow Jaguar TCS Racing over the past eight seasons to the team we are today. Jaguar has a rich motorsport history, and we are hugely motivated to be writing the next chapter of success on track for this iconic brand.
“Celebrating this achievement in Japan adds to the occasion, and we head into the race leading the Teams’ World Championship with Nick also leading the Drivers’ table and Mitch in third. We are hugely excited to take to the streets of Tokyo city for the first time in Formula E’s history, showcasing the future of mobility in yet another key location.”