“We wish it greater than you may probably think about.” Heading into the Components E season finale this weekend, Jaguar staff principal James Barclay’s manner exudes calmness as his staff sits on the cusp of an historic double. However beneath that calm exterior is a person who is aware of all too effectively what’s at stake in London having come so near the final word success earlier than.
The statistics present that the future of each titles sit within the British producer’s fingers, because it leads the groups’ championship by 33 factors from Porsche, whereas drivers Nick Cassidy and Mitch Evans occupy first and second within the drivers’ standings. It’s an enviable place to be in forward of the ultimate two races of the season at London’s ExCeL, however with that benefit comes expectations and added strain.
In one other various actuality each titles would have already been wrapped up, Cassidy only one lap away from all however successful the drivers’ championship in Portland however for a penultimate lap spin whereas main that additionally would have put the groups’ battle realistically out of Jaguar’s attain.
As an alternative, Porsche and Pascal Wehrlein sit able to pounce, the German degree on factors with Evans, simply 12 behind Cassidy. The second Porsche of Antonio Felix da Costa additionally has a mathematical likelihood of the title and is the person in kind after successful 4 of the final 5 races.
However being 21 factors behind Wehrlein with simply 58 factors up for grabs this weekend signifies that the Portuguese driver will doubtless be referred to as into motion to help his team-mate’s title hopes.
Not so at Jaguar, at the very least for now, as each Cassidy and Evans have been advised they’re free to battle their very own battle, however one which might effectively put the groups’ title – the precedence as acknowledged by Barclay – very a lot in danger.
It’s not inconceivable to assume that each Cassidy and Evans will discover themselves instantly combating on observe, and though Evans has acknowledged he sees there being no danger of the pair coming collectively, it’s not past the realms of chance that contact may very well be made, particularly round a decent and twisty observe the place overtaking will probably be tough.
Mitch Evans, Jaguar Racing , Jaguar I-TYPE 6
Picture by: Dom Romney / Motorsport Images
Cassidy is aware of all too effectively about intra-team contact at this venue, having broken his entrance wing on team-mate Sebastien Buemi’s automotive when at Envision 12 months in the past which ended his title hopes.
The dynamic between Cassidy and Evans is vastly completely different, nevertheless, the 2 agency associates off the observe having grown up and climbed the motorsport ranks collectively from their time in New Zealand.
However with a lot at stake and within the warmth of battle, the ambition of two drivers intent on claiming a primary Components E title might put Jaguar’s ambition of a maiden groups’ title on the road if not managed correctly.
“For us we help them each equally at this level,” Barclay tells Autosport. “They’re free to race except one in every of them is able the place it’s unlikely they’re going to win the championship or it’s mathematically not possible.
“We mentioned that coming into this weekend, if one thing occurs on Saturday which doubtlessly means one in every of them is basically out of the equation all our efforts must be on ensuring the opposite driver wins the championship. They’re professionals. The rule is kind of easy, you may race however you may’t put the staff at jeopardy.”
For a model that has a lot motorsport heritage, it’s considerably exceptional that after eight years of being in Components E, Jaguar has but to say a title. It’s definitely not for an absence of making an attempt, having taken both the drivers’ or the groups’ title battle right down to the final spherical for the earlier three seasons.
However every time it has come up quick. Now, with arguably the very best driver pairing, quickest automotive on the grid and a factors benefit in each championships, it has every little thing at its disposal to say a primary world championship because it tasted sportscar success again in 1991.
Nick Cassidy, Jaguar TCS Racing, Jaguar I-TYPE 6
Picture by: Alastair Staley / Motorsport Images
“In fact, if it doesn’t occur we will probably be completely gutted by that however we received’t see ourselves as not being profitable as a result of success is about placing your self to battle for championships and we’ve accomplished that 4 years in a row,” says Barclay.
“No matter occurs now we’re a extremely profitable staff this yr, we’ve operated at a world class degree and the drivers have accomplished an outstanding job.”