RIYADH: Formula E drivers and friends Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy have spoken of their pride in flying the New Zealand flag high following their respective victories in the Berlin E-Prix double header.
In round seven of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Evans secured a one-two for Jaguar TCS Racing with teammate Sam Bird finishing second. The race saw 190 overtakes, 53 lead changes and eight different leaders — all breaking previous Formula E records.
A day later, New Zealand fans had more reasons to celebrate with Cassidy winning the second race in Germany. The Envision Racing star produced a stunning display, jumping from eighth position to the top step of the podium after a nail-biting wheel-to-wheel race.
Reflecting on the win and his friendship with Cassidy, Evans said: “It’s pretty special as Nick and I knew each other since we were six and started racing karts at the same time. We’re now really close friends. We’ve been racing against each other in all categories, beginning with go-karting, and both of us have been doing really well recently.
“New Zealand is a very small country so for us to secure victories in Berlin is quite incredible. Formula E is growing globally and also in New Zealand, and I believe these results will help raise the profile of the competition and attract more fans to the sport in New Zealand.”
Meanwhile, Cassidy said: “Mitch and I have been best mates since we were young. He’s a talented driver and it’s always a pleasure racing alongside him. It was a massive deal for New Zealand when we had a one-two in Sao Paulo, but this is even better.”
Monaco will host the next race of the championship on May 6 and both drivers are eager to build on their latest victories.
Evans, fifth in the standings, 24 points behind leader Pascal Wehrlein, said: “The form has been there throughout the season and it’s just about having a strong pace and converting it into good results. As a team, we’re feeling good and confident, and we can be fighting at the front by understanding what we need from the car.”
Cassidy, who is second behind Wehrlein, said: “The team feels prepared, for sure. We had some ups and downs last season, but this team is used to winning, which was one of the reasons I wanted to join the team. Yet, there are still eight races to go and other manufacturers are closing the gap as well. Our factory team Jaguar is very strong and even though we’re close at the top of the lead, a lot can change and the next race will be interesting.”
