Jake Hughes is hoping to end his rookie Formula E season with a strong performance at the “very special” London E-Prix.
Hughes heads to the British capital ready to put on a show at his and NEOM McLaren’s home race, after a disappointing double-header in Rome just over a week ago.
The 29-year-old had a heavy crash in qualifying ahead of the opening race in the Italian capital, which actually ruled him out of race one.
Hughes experienced a high-speed double-impact shunt on the exit of Turn 6, which destroyed the front-left of his Nissan e-4ORCE 04.
The Birmingham-born driver’s car was impressively repaired overnight by the Woking-based team, who put in an incredible shift to get the car ready for the second race of the weekend.
Unfortunately, Hughes could only salvage 11th in race two, extending his run of non-top 10 finishes to four races.
Despite his and McLaren’s recent struggles, Hughes’ debut season has been exceptional in the all-electric series.
With two pole positions – achieved in Diriyah and Monaco – and three P5 finishes, Hughes has more than delivered in his rookie season, something which’ll certainly fill him with confidence ahead of 2024.
The only thing that’s missing from his first season in Formula E is a podium, something he’d love to achieve at his home race this weekend in East London.
Qualifying has been one of Hughes’ strengths this season and will be crucial at the ExCeL Centre on Saturday and Sunday, given just how challenging overtaking is at the unique venue.
Should Hughes qualify amongst the frontrunners ahead of either race, then he will have an incredible chance of securing a maiden podium “in front of a home crowd, family and friends”.
A home podium for McLaren would also be hugely symbolic for the side, with it very much being something that Hughes is going to push for at the season finale.
“I’m especially looking forward to the London E-Prix, which is the home race for NEOM McLaren and myself,” said Hughes.
“To race in London will be very special, in front of a home crowd, family and friends. From a performance standpoint, we had a very challenging weekend in Rome and didn’t come home with any points.
“Our goal for London will be putting two strong days together, scoring points and hopefully challenging for a podium.”
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