“It’s a place and a track which is one of the most special on the race calendar” – Evans on New York

Mitch Evans goes into the New York City E-Prix with high expectations and ambitions, with the New Zealander aiming to return Jaguar Racing to the top step of the podium.

Evans has scored three podium finishes in the opening nine races of the 2020-21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season, but his success has often led him to be in the opening session of Qualifying each weekend, which has made getting near the front of the grid difficult.

But Evans knows the Jaguar I-TYPE 5 has strong pace, and after a podium finish in Brooklyn back in 2019, he goes to New York with confidence that he can score a top three result once more.

“It’s always great to be racing in New York – it’s a place and a track which is one of the most special on the race calendar,” said Evans.  “In season five, the last time we raced here, I achieved my best result at the circuit with second place on the podium.

“Having raced here multiple times and with the Jaguar I-TYPE 5 pace looking strong, we’ve been working hard ahead of the double-header, as a team, to make sure myself and the racecar are in a position to push for a podium result again.”

“I am determined to get the best result in both E-Prixs” – Sam Bird

Team-mate Sam Bird has had a disappointing run of results, with a seventh-place finish in the Monaco E-Prix his only points finish in the past six races.

The British racer started the season well with a win in race two of the Diriyah E-Prix before taking ap podium in race one in Rome, but even since it has been a struggle for the only driver to have won a race in every season of Formula E.

“As we enter the second half of the season, I know our team and our car have the performance available to achieve points and podiums in New York,” said Bird.  “I have great memories here after a back-to-back victory in season three and I am very much looking to replicate this success.

“I’m in group two for qualifying which should be a little advantage as we aim to make it to Super Pole (top six shootout). The teams’ and drivers’ championships are very close and competitive, and I am determined to get the best result in both E-Prixs.”

Sam Bird is looking to turn his season around, starting this weekend in New York – Credit: FIA Formula E