Evans dominates to grab championship lead

Kiwi Mitch Evans leads the all-electric Formula E drivers’ championship after a dominant performance at the 2020 CBMM Niobium Mexico City E-Prix.

The Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver controlled the race from the first corner of the first lap and crossed the finish line more than four seconds ahead of Antonio Felix da Costa.

Evans, pictured, passed pole-sitter Andre Lotterer, who drives for the TAG Heuer Porsche team, on the first corner of the February 16 race.

The New Zealander now has 47 championship points, one clear of Britain’s Alexander Sims who finished fifth for BMW I Andretti. Evans’ victory also moved Panasonic Jaguar Racing into second in the battle for the teams’ title.

Evans’ only other Formula E win, and Jaguar’s first, was in Rome last year.

“This result is a huge testament to the team and their hard work … what a brilliant weekend for the team,” Evans says. 

“It is great to show the pace the Jaguar I-TYPE 4 has, not just over one lap, but a whole race. 

“After a close overtake with Andre Lotterer on the first corner I took the lead and then focused on keeping my head down and being as efficient as possible. 

“We’ve really shown our pace this weekend and now the plan is to achieve this again across the season.”

The weekend was bitter-sweet for the Jaguar team after their other driver, James Calado, crossed the line in P9 before being disqualified due to a technical energy infringement.

The championship now heads to Marrakesh for round six on February 29.