Expect epic E-Prix

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MOTORING NEWS - The first sub-Saharan African E-Prix is taking place in Cape Town this weekend, one of four new race locations in the 2023 season.

With Table Mountain forming an impressive backdrop, the fifth round of the championship will be played out on a street circuit through Green Point. Spectacular views surround the 2,8km track, which is set to be among the fastest used by Formula E.

The race will be an opportunity for the Jaguar team to bounce back following the race in Hyderabad which saw both Jaguar TCS Racing cars retire. All four Jaguar-powered cars demonstrated impressive pace and efficiency while on the track and Kiwi Mitch Evans took his first pole position in the Gen3 era, adding three valuable points to his championship campaign.

Sam Bird, Jaguar TCS Racing driver #10, will be looking to build on his two top four finishes this season with another positive points haul.

Jaguar TCS Racing remains fifth in the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship teams' standings.

Jaguar currently sells electrified vehicles such as the all-electric I-PACE and electric hybrid versions of the F-PACE and E-PACE SUVs in South Africa.

Mitch Evans, Jaguar TCS Racing driver during the Hyderabad ePrix on Friday 10 February. Photo: Andrew Ferraro / LAT Images

James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing Team principal, said with the Jaguar I-TYPE 6, they have a fast and highly competitive car.

"Our goal coming into this weekend in Cape Town is to put ourselves into a position to race for points and podiums. Having grown up in South Africa and watched the last World Championship race in 1993 at Kyalami, it is a proud moment for myself and the other South African members of the team to be part of the return of top tier racing to this passionate motorsport country. The track is fast and challenging and will be a test for the teams, drivers and cars."

Mitch Evans, Jaguar TCS Racing driver #9, is looking forward to the race. "My car has so much potential, it's got the pace and efficiency. Qualifying will be particularly important for me as I'm aiming for front of the grid again after getting my first pole position in Hyderabad."

Bird said they have focused on getting to grips with the new track.

"I'm confident that our team and the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 have the performance available to achieve points and podiums."

Phil Charles, Jaguar TCS Racing technical manager, said the Cape Town track will be an absolute cracker. "A fast-paced track with several bumpy braking areas, a super tight chicane in T4,5, 6 and a high-speed needle-threading section T8,9,10. The Cape Town E-Prix promises to be an absolute nailbiter."

Jaguar TCS Racing will compete in round five of the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on 25 February at 16:00 local time. Qualifying and race sessions will be aired live and repeated on SuperSport.

Jaguar TCS Racing driver Sam Bird during the Hyderabad E-Prix on Friday 11 February. Photo: Andrew Ferraro / LAT Images