Jaguar TCS Racing driver Mitch Evans believes he needs more luck this season after a disappointing Hyderabad ePrix result, where his teammate Sam Bird collided with him. He retired from the race despite having the quickest car, making it a disappointing evening for the New Zealander.
Speaking to Sportskeeda after the race, Mitch Evans expressed his feelings on the race, saying:
“As you gonna expect, it feels pretty s#!t. Can’t really catch a break at the moment, the car was quick, I was on pole. For the last two races we have been one of the quickest cars but yeah just nothings really flowing, don’t have much to say.”
On whether the car being quick gave any confidence for the races ahead, he added:
“Yeah but I need some luck you know. It’s all good. Sure it gives a bit of confidence but doesn’t help me…it’s good that their doing a good job, the car is quick and it proves that. But today I felt I had the quickest car and I walk away with nothing.”
The New Zealander was caught in a tangle with three other drivers, including Sacha Fenestraz and Maxmillan Gunther, when his teammate Bird rammed into him after misjudging a move on the hairpin of the circuit.
After starting the race from the pole, the moment was gutting for Mitch Evans, who is yet to have a clean race since season nine of the Formula E series has commenced. Despite the pace of the car being encouraging, the former GP2 Series driver felt he needed more luck in the upcoming races to be able to improve his results.
Mitch Evans believes the Hyderabad circuit is a really strong circuit and produced a successful event
Evaluating the Hyderabad street circuit as a good one, Mitch Evans reckons they could change the chicane at Turn 1. Overall, the Jaguar TCS racing driver enjoyed driving on the circuit and feels the Hyderabad ePrix was a successful event.
Impressed with the spectator turnout, the New Zealander was grateful for the home welcome support he and his team received. They are owned by Tata and their title partner is Indian tech giant TCS.
Describing his impressions of the Hyderabad ePrix to Sportskeeda, Evans said:
“Honestly I think the track is really good but Turn 1 chicane needs a change, we need to improve it. But the rest of the track was really strong. I really enjoyed driving it. I don’t think much needs to be done as an event, was an amazing event.
"We’ve had a warm welcome especially for us, it’s been a bit of a home race for us. So I’ve really felt that especially on the parade lap, they were cheering my name and for us, that’s really cool to see and cool to feel. There’s been a big turnout and overall a really successful event. I hope everyone’s enjoyed themselves.”
The Jaguar TCS racing team was one of the strongest teams on the Hyderabad circuit until the unfortunate collision during the race. In almost a home race for the black and white outfit, both drivers were busy with marketing and PR engagements in the run-up to the event, with their priorities being a visit to the TCS facility in Adibatla, Hyderabad.
The current result places Bird sixth in the drivers championship, while Mitch Evans is 12th. However, Jaguar TCS Racing have currently slid down to fifth in the team standings and it will be a lot of work taking it from here in the upcoming races. The next round of the Formula E championship will be held in Cape Town, South Africa and is scheduled for February 24-25, 2023.