Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans did not hold back when asked by Motorsport Week about the possibility of further inclusions of purpose-built circuits into its future calendars.
The idea of integrating further fixed circuits has been on the agenda at this weekend’s Misano E-Prix, with Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds as well as other drivers and team personnel all giving their views to Motorsport Week, which will be featured in an upcoming article.
Whilst many drivers have been diplomatic and philosophical about the prospect of the GEN4 era potentially bringing more purpose-built circuit racing, Evans’ firm view is that it is not in keeping with the ethos upon which the FE championship was originally built, notably the rumoured possibility of a future British round held at Silverstone.
“It’s disappointing we have this topic, it shouldn’t be the case in Formula E,” Evans said.
“That’s the beauty about the championship, it’s a massive difference between us and other championships, we always have street tracks.
“Due to the nature of our technology, we can go to city centres and bring the racing to the fans, and now we’re talking about Silverstone coming up, which I think is ludicrous.
“I’m not in charge of it, but I think it’s too early for that – the cars aren’t quite there to race on tracks like Silverstone.
“I think it needs to really be considered, because I think where Formula E is so great is because the racing is always great, bringing the championships to tracks in in heart of city centres has made the DNA of the category.”
The Kiwi currently sits in sixth place in the Drivers’ Championship, still within touch of the top of the standings, and a good weekend can boost his title aspirations, but at the same time, Evans is also aware that the nature of the Jaguar car may not be the most competitive on the Misano course.
“It’s hard to say at the moment, historically we’re good on street tracks – that’s a fact.
“Obviously, this is a new venue for everyone, these longer tracks with longer corners we generally don’t suit as much, but we weren’t too bad in Valencia in testing.
“I think the fundamentals is that some of the other cars are stronger on these types of layouts, but we’re going to do all we can to get a good baseline and a good setup.
“Efficiency-wise, I think Porsche have got the upper hand on us, but we should still be strong.
“I can’t say right now, but I’m not as confident as I would be if it was Rome, but I’m trying to be positive, hit the ground running and have a good weekend.”
