Video: Kiwi e-racer in new Jaguar podcast

Jaguar Racing’s first episode in a video podcast series ‘RE:CHARGE at Home’ features Formula E Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver Mitch Evans and team director James Barclay.

It reveals a rare, honest insight into the highs and lows the two have faced during the British race team’s history in electric motorsport.

They discuss the first moments Jaguar officially joined the ABB FIA Formula E championship through to what it has taken to get the team to the front of the grid.

“The whole programme with Jaguar and Formula E came at the perfect time for me – looking back it was a life saver and allowed me to be on a world stage in an innovative racing series,” Evans says.

“When my management got the call for me to test for Jaguar it was great timing.

“I had a few, important tests to get through to secure the seat with an international automotive brand. I’ll never forget my first test in Donnington at a whole new circuit and a whole new car.

“Fortunately, I secured the seat but season one as a fresh, new team with rookie drivers and not the most developed car out there – our mission was like trying to climb Everest.”

Barclay says he well remembers in December 2015 announcing in London the return of Jaguar to motorsport.

“Racing is in the heart of Jaguar’s DNA but our entry into a racing series had to be well thought through and be part of a clear strategic plan,” he says.

“At the time in 2015 it was becoming clear electrification was the future and Jaguar could lead by being the first premium OEM to commit to the championship.”

Meanwhile, this season’s Formula E due to end in London on July 25 and 26 could continue without spectators and avoid city centres following the COVID-19 pandemic which put the series on hold and saw two venues become temporary hospitals.

Due to start in December, the next season could see changes too.

Formula E has just partnered with the UN children’s fund UNICEF to support a global COVID-19 appeal.