Nick Cassidy: “The team did a great job putting together a great package”

Nick Cassidy secured his second podium finish in three races in Sunday’s second race of the New York City E-Prix, with the New Zealander now firmly involved in the battle for the 2020-21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship title.

Three-weeks ago, the Envision Virgin Racing driver made a breakthrough as he claimed second place in race two of the Puebla E-Prix, but arguably, his performance around the Brooklyn Street Circuit was even more impressive, with the New Zealander the only driver to be able to keep up with the two Jaguar Racing cars up front of Sam Bird and Mitch Evans.

And when Evans made a mistake late in the race and damaged his left-rear suspension, Cassidy was in prime position to move up from third to second and equal his best result of the season and to move up to fifth in the Drivers’ Championship standings.

“I felt much stronger in the race today, but it wasn’t easy to maintain speed in the right places and overtake the Jaguars,” said Cassidy.

“I am pleased with how I have adapted to Formula E and to the car – I think I have made that transition quite quickly, but there are another 23 world class drivers here so it’s not easy!

“The team did a great job putting together a great package, we had very good speed and we managed to secure a podium, so I am really happy with that.”

“I’ve been quite consistent even though we haven’t won a race” – Robin Frijns

Team-mate Robin Frijns scored an important four points with an eighth-place finish, despite the Dutchman having started down in twenty-first position after struggling in Qualifying.

Frijns was patient in the early stages, conserving his energy well, energy that he used to good effect late in the day when others around him were struggling.  He was able to capitalise on that by passing a number of cars across the final few laps to jump to eighth place.

The twenty-nine-year-old has yet to win a race this season, but he has scored points consistently and he sits third in the standings just five points away from new leader Bird.

“The race felt good. I was being quite patient at the beginning, saving some energy and letting everybody fight – and they were fighting quite hard,” said Frijns. “When everything started to settle out a bit, I used my energy to overtake people in front.

“In Formula E consistency is always key. So far, we haven’t had any technical issues with the car, so that has obviously helped.

“I’ve been quite consistent even though we haven’t won a race, but if I manage to win the championship without winning any races that’d still be a great result!”

Robin Frijns took eighth despite qualifying twenty-first on the grid – Credit: FIA Formula E