CIAO ROMA! JAGUAR TCS RACING AIM FOR STRONG PERFORMANCE AT THE TEAM’S MOST SUCCESSFUL TRACK

10 July 2023

Jaguar TCS Racing return to the streets of Rome this weekend, determined to continue the British team’s record of success in round thirteen and fourteen of the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

  • This weekend, Rome will play host to the penultimate double‑header of the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Jaguar TCS Racing’s most triumphant street circuit to date
  • Jaguar TCS Racing’s Italian record book: a double win for Mitch Evans in 2022, a double podium for the team in 2021 and the team’s first Formula E victory in 2019
  • Mitch Evans, Sam Bird and the team aim to replicate past successes in Rome to narrow the gap in the championship fight
  • Rome offers a second opportunity for rookie driver Sheldon Van Der Linde to test the Jaguar I‑TYPE 6 in Free Practice 0 on Friday 14 July
  • The electric performance in the eternal city begins 15:00 local time on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July

Home to one of the most famous amphitheatres in the world, a new gladiator enters the ring as the Jaguar I‑TYPE 6 takes to the streets of Rome for the first time. The 2023 Hankook Rome E‑Prix marks Formula E’s fifth visit to the Circuito Cittadino dell’EUR since its inception in 2014. The all‑electric Gen3 race car has proven to elevate the intensity of racing on display this season, and at one of the most challenging streets circuits in the calendar, with 19 turns across 3.385km of uneven, undulating and elevated surfaces, it is a true test for both drivers and teams.

 

For the second time in the 2023 season, Jaguar TCS Racing are pleased to announce the return of Formula E rookie, Sheldon Van Der Linde, who will take part in FP0 on the Friday of the double‑header weekend. Sheldon had a successful run out during the Berlin rookie test in April, topping session one times. The rookie test provides a fantastic opportunity to introduce drivers to all‑electric racing and search for the next talent in Formula E.

 

Jaguar TCS Racing sit third in the teams’ standings, with Mitch Evans in fourth and Sam Bird in ninth.

Rome is not only one of our favourites stops in the calendar, but it is also a phenomenal circuit, a true test of car and driver. With a lot of past success here it also holds a special place in all of the team’s memories. We’ve achieved great results here in the past, the fans are passionate and knowledgeable and the true street circuit layout provides an incredible racing spectacle. Now more than ever, everyone at Jaguar TCS Racing understands the task at hand and we are focused on doing our best to execute a successful race weekend. Thanks to the hard work the team have put in this season, both World Championship titles are in touching distance, so we are hugely motivated and will remain focused on the task at hand which is to deliver as many points as we can.

James Barclay
Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal

We’ve had an incredible string of results in Rome, but as always, it’s so important to stay focused and not let the pressure get to us. Rome is one of my favourite tracks as it’s a true street circuit and I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of our Jaguar I‑TYPE 6, but with the new Gen3 car and a new Hankook tyre, it’s going to be a challenge. I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got this weekend to stay in the championship fight.

Mitch Evans
Jaguar TCS Racing driver, #9

The last few rounds have been challenging, but with this brings a lot of determination and hunger to show what we can do and put forward my best performance. Rome is an amazing location and with some of our greatest results here, I really believe Jaguar TCS Racing can continue to build its success as the end of the season closes in.

Sam Bird
Jaguar TCS Racing driver, #10

Rome is a favourite track for a lot of the drivers and engineers, and there’s a reason for that! 3.385km, 19 corners, it’s a rollercoaster‑like track with undulation, some flowing corners and twisty sections. For success you have to have a car set‑up that is able to ride over the really bumpy section up to turn 7, but also corners very efficiently in the tighter sections too. This year the race is held in much hotter conditions than we have had previously so that will be tricky for powertrains and tyres as well. We look forward to the challenge and racing once again in this incredible city.

Phil Charles
Jaguar TCS Racing Technical Manager

I'm really excited to be joining Jaguar TCS Racing for my second rookie test with the team. My last time out in Berlin was really positive, and I gained a lot of experience in Formula E ‑ topping the morning session timings was a real highlight. I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the Jaguar I‑TYPE 6, to hopefully have another successful session while helping the engineers get some valuable data ahead of the Rome E‑Prix. It’s the first time I’ll be driving a Formula E car on a proper street circuit, and Rome is probably one of the best tracks on the calendar, I’m really looking forward to it.

Sheldon Van Der Linde
Jaguar TCS Racing Rookie Driver

Rounds thirteen and fourteen of the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship get underway at 15:00 local time on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July. 

Further information

For further information about Jaguar TCS Racing, please contact:   

Ella Seager, Senior Communications Officer, Jaguar TCS Racing   

Tel: +44 (0) 7764 377 554

Email: eseager@jaguarlandrover.com 

  

Emily Hogg, Global PR and Communications Manager, Jaguar TCS Racing  

Tel: +44 (0) 7384 532 605  

Email: ehogg2@jaguarlandrover.com   

  

Notes to Editors

ABOUT JAGUAR TCS RACING  

 

Jaguar returned to racing in October 2016, becoming the first luxury manufacturer to join the all‑electric ABB FIA Formula E Championship street racing series. In season eight, Mitch Evans finished as runner‑up in the drivers’ standings – his most successful result in Jaguar TCS Racing’s Formula E campaign.  

 

Formula E is a real‑world test bed for Jaguar with its journey to becoming an all‑electric luxury brand from 2025. Jaguar TCS Racing’s goal is to ‘Reimagine Racing’ and together the team will test, develop, learn and collaborate, sharing insights across JLR which will benefit future road car development. Specifically, learnings and technology transfer from Formula E will help ‘Reimagine” the Jaguar brand coinciding with the company’s commitment to the Gen3 era of Formula E.  

 

2023 is the first year for the teams to be racing with the Gen3 car, the world’s first net zero race car.   

 

As an official manufacturer team in Formula E, Jaguar TCS Racing designs its own powertrain, which includes the motor, transmission, inverter, and rear suspension. Jaguar, via its long‑term Formula E technical partner Williams Advanced Engineering, will supply Envision Racing with its powertrain for the Gen3 era.  

 

To control costs, the carbon fibre chassis and battery are common components and the same for all eleven teams. This allows the focus to be on developing efficient and lightweight electric vehicle powertrains which will improve the performance and range of future JLR electric vehicles.  

 

Teams have two race cars, one per driver, which will be used for the full race distance.   

Beyond its all‑electric concept, Formula E is unique in the world of motorsport for its choice of venues. The 2023 championship takes place on temporary street circuits in the centre of the world’s major cities including Mexico City, Diriyah and Rome, with new locations including Hyderabad, Cape Town, and São Paulo. The season finale plays out across a double‑header race weekend in London.   

 

In 2022, Jaguar TCS Racing finished fourth in the teams' standings with seven podiums, four wins, one pole position, one fastest lap and 231 points scored – the team’s biggest points haul to date. New Zealander, Mitch Evans finished last season as runner‑up with Sam Bird finishing thirteenth overall in the drivers’ standings.  

 

Formula E remains a key priority for JLR and the company’s Reimagine strategy. As the premier all‑electric world championship, Formula E allows us to test and develop new electric vehicle technologies in a high‑performance environment. It continues to be the test bed for our Race to Innovate mission that will see Race to Road and Road to Race learnings that will help shape our electric future – a future that Jaguar is passionate about, and dedicated to for the benefit of our society, the changing landscape of mobility, sustainability and our clients.   

 

Through our Race to Inspire mission, Jaguar TCS Racing are committed to inspiring the future generation by using the race programme to create a positive impact on our planet and the communities in which we race. From competing in the world’s first net carbon race car to supporting and training the next generation of engineers and motorsport professionals.   

 

For more information, visit www.jaguar.com   

  

About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)  

TCS is an IT services, consulting, and business solutions organization that has been digitally transforming many of the world's largest businesses for over 50 years. A long‑standing strategic technology partner of Jaguar Land Rover, TCS is committed to leveraging innovative digital technology to help the race team accelerate their electrification journey, win races, and create a more sustainable future. TCS believes that global sports sponsorships with purpose can spark change and positively impact our communities. A part of the Tata Group, TCS has more than 616,000 consultants in 55 countries.