"An absolute nail-biter" - Jaguar aims for Formula E podium on new cracker circuit in Cape Town

This weekend, Formula E makes its first guest appearance in South Africa. At the Cape Town E-Prix, one team in particular wants to make amends: Jaguar TCS Racing. The "big cat" had the potential for the very "big time" in Hyderabad - until Sam Bird and Mitch Evans took themselves out of the running. On the new track at the Cape of Good Hope, at least a trophy should be here.

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"As a team, we took another step forward in Hyderabad and showed that we have a fast and extremely competitive car in the Jaguar I-Type 6," says team boss James Barclay, drawing hope. The South African-born driver sets the tone for his home race: "Our goal for this weekend in Cape Town is to put ourselves in a position where we can compete for points and podiums."

"Having grown up in South Africa and having seen the last World Championship race at Kyalami in 1993, it is a proud moment for me and the other South African team members to be part of the return of top-level racing to this passionate motorsport country," Barclay's anticipation is building. "The track is fast and challenging and will be a test for the teams, drivers and cars. And it's set against the backdrop of Table Mountain - one of the Seven New Wonders of Nature."

"As Formula E racers, we are incredibly fortunate to travel to new destinations, and Cape Town is one I am particularly looking forward to," driver Sam Bird agrees. He doesn't dwell on his serious mistake in India: "We focused on familiarizing ourselves with the second new track this season and being as well prepared as possible. I am confident that our team and the Jaguar I-Type 6 have the performance to finish in the points and on the podium in Cape Town."

Evans craves success: "Wants to be back at the front"

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Teammate Mitch Evans also prefers to look forward rather than back, saying, "We're learning every race, so we'll take that positive attitude into the Cape Town E-Prix. Qualifying will be particularly important for me because after my first pole position of the season in Hyderabad, I want to be back at the front. My car has so much potential. It has the pace and efficiency you need to be successful."

Phil Charles, Technical Director of Jaguar TCS Racing, looks forward with anticipation to the brand new street circuit in Cape Town: "The Formula E race calendar has some exciting tracks this season, and next up we have an absolute cracker. A fast-paced track with several bumpy braking zones, a super-tight chicane with turns 4, 5 and 6, and a high-speed pinhole section in T8, T9 and T10, the Cape Town E-Prix promises to be an absolute nail-biter."

The race gets underway in South Africa on Friday with the 1st free practice session. The race is scheduled for Saturday afternoon. e-Formel.de will be there for you live in Cape Town.