Mitch Evans heads into the Tokyo E-Prix acutely aware that he cannot afford another difficult weekend whilst sitting second in the Formula E Championship.
The Kiwi had a weekend to forget last time out in Shanghai, the Championship contender finishing eighth in Round 12, securing crucial points to keep him in the fight. However, Round 13 saw Evans not even start the race following technical issues with his Jaguar car.
In turn, he finds himself trailing Pascal Wehrlein heading into the final four races of the season.
As drivers prepare for the penultimate weekend of the championship, Evans is not only looking to put his Shanghai race behind him, but also last year’s Tokyo E-Prix result, having endured a DNF and DNS in the same weekend.
However, the Jaguar driver arrives to Japan eager to change his luck at the street circuit, albeit in new night conditions.
“I’m trying not to think about even the last race, but let’s say last year as well, too much here,” Evans told Motorsport Week.
“It’s never been a good track for us, so I’m trying to be positive.”
With just two rounds remaining after Tokyo, Evans knows the importance of scoring heavily if he is to take the championship battle to the season finale in London.
“We know we need a big result this weekend, or a solid result in both races, to take the fight into London. That’s no secret. Everyone in the fight needs a good weekend here.
“You can’t afford to lose any races, so that’s no different. We just have to push our best and see how it flushes out.”
New conditions in Tokyo provide uncertainty
This year’s Tokyo E-Prix brings a new level of challenge for drivers. Alongside its narrow, tight track conditions, drivers will also have to navigate the circuit in the nighttime conditions of Tokyo, in a warmer climate than previous years.
While Evans believes the new conditions could offer an opportunity, he expects teams to face a difficult balancing act.
“It’s hard to judge,” Evans explained.
“I think the weather is going to play a big factor this weekend. Qualifying in the sunshine, which is super hot.
“It’s our first night race here. Hard to judge how that will affect things. But I think getting the car in the right window for both conditions is going to be tough.
“It’s still quite hot at night, so it’ll be interesting to see how it is to drive here at night time. Hopefully it plays into our favour, because the other conditions from the last few years have not really worked. Hopefully a change-up will be good for us.”
Rain is forecasted throughout the weekend; however, the severity remains contested. Friday’s free practice running was narrowly impacted by a torrential downpour just two hours prior to the session. But there is no guarantee that the rest of the weekend will share a similar forecast.
Evans believes that the added threat of rain adds an extra level of challenge and unpredictability across the grid.
“I don’t think I’ve ever driven in the night when it’s wet, so that could be really unique,” Evans said.
“We’ll have to wait and see. If it rains, how much rain. Every forecast seems to say something different, like usual. We’ll have to see what we get.”
Kiwi motorsport pride
In the past few years, there has been a rapid growth of New Zealand-born drivers partaking in high levels of Motorsport. Alongside Evans, Nick Cassidy races in Formula E, whilst Liam Lawson has been making waves in Formula 1. And in IndyCar, Scott Dixon, Scott McLaughlin, and Marcus Armstrong complete a strong presence.
With this rise in Kiwi talent, Evans reflected with a sense of pride on the growth of the sport in the nation, highlighting that, despite his fellow Countrymen’s presence in high levels of the sport, he feels as though their achievements deserve greater recognition.
“I think it’s not talked about enough,” he said.
“We’re a tiny country. I don’t know what the latest numbers are, maybe 4.5 million, 5 million. It was 4 million when I was growing up.
“Just in terms of geography, we’re on the bottom end of the world. It’s so hard for us to get overseas financially.”
“It’s unbelievable. I don’t really know if New Zealand appreciates it enough.”
While acknowledging Australia’s strong motorsport culture, Evans believes New Zealand consistently punches above its weight.
“Compared to Australia, we do well for that. I think both countries do well. For our economy, for our population size, it’s quite impressive what we’re doing at the moment.”
Inspiring the next generation of Kiwi drivers
When asked if a Formula E title won by himself or Countryman Cassidy could help inspire the young drivers back home to pursue careers in international single-seater racing, Evans remained positive.
“I’d like to think so,” he said. “When you’re in karting, you’re just so F1 focused.
“I don’t know what the perception is within the karting community of our community. I know in New Zealand, it’s like 50-50, let’s say. We’ve got a bit more of a V8 (Supercars) kind of mentality.
“But I think that is changing.”
But as Evans highlighted, the only way to find out would be to claim New Zealand’s first-ever Formula E World Championship.
“I’d hope to think that if either Nick or I could ever win the championship, it would have a really good positive impact on the motorsport culture,” he explained.
“One of us will have to win it to find out.”
This weekend will be crucial for Evans’ Championship hopes. If the Jaguar driver can string together consistent performances to stay within touching distance of Wehrlein, it could set the stage for an intense run to the line at the season finale in London.
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