Mitch Evans goes hunting in Monaco
Mitch Evans managed to make forget a pitiful start to the season by recalling the two races of the E-Prix of Rome at the beginning of the month. A third win in a row, this time in Monaco, could now lift him to the top spot in the standings.
The Jaguar team driver did not have it easy. He started ninth in the first event on Italian soil and had to move up the peloton to win. The next day, it was from fourth place on the starting grid that Evans triumphed.
However, he had only found a meager point in the first three races of the season, so he is fourth in the standings with 51 points, nine behind Jean-Éric Vergne (DS Techeetah). A good outing in the streets of the principality could therefore put him in the lead.
“Rome was an amazing weekend for me. The team gave me a fast race car and my championship is back on track, Evans prospered, according to a statement from Jaguar. Formula E is offered competitively, and anything can happen, so I know I have to deliver the same precision here in Monaco.”
The race will also take on a special flavor for Evans, since the New Zealander lives in Monaco.
“Without racing in New Zealand, Monaco is the closest thing to a home race for me, so it’s even more special to race here and after a podium finish last year I want to reach the highest walk.”
Balance game
The race in Monaco will take place on the same track as last year, identical to that of Formula 1, and tight corners must be possible for Jaguar. The team seems to have designed a suspension that is particularly beneficial in 90 degree turns.
“We have a particular suspension that works in this scenario. It also works very well in other scenarios, but that’s a real plus,” technical director Phil Charles told The Race.
It will still be necessary to find the right balance in the settings. Finding a compromise between corner entry and corner exit performance promises to be risky. The margin of error is chopped and could relegate far behind any team that can’t find the balance.
Add to that the effect on the tires, which can easily go out of their optimum temperature zone, and the puzzle is complete.
“It’s easy to get out of this light and simplified zone, you tumble. This is why the championship is so interesting. Consistency is everything.”
“You have to learn every time you fall and try to get back to the top more often than not. And it is very difficult”, a conceded Charles.
The Monaco E-Prix will take place on Saturday and will be broadcast on TVA Sports.