After the conclusion of Season Four at the New York City E-Prix, Panasonic Jaguar Racing's James Barclay believes that the British marque is the most improved team in Formula E.
Jaguar Racing joined Formula E in Season Three and in its maiden campaign in the all-electric single seater series had set of mixed results, with Mitch Evans securing a best finishing position of fourth place at the Mexico City E-Prix while Adam Carroll endured a difficult campaign, meaning that the outfit finished in last place in the Teams' Standings with 27 points.
Fresh with the new signing of inaugural Formula E champion Nelson Piquet Jr, Jaguar's Season Four campaign showed clear improvements, with the outfit claiming its maiden podium finish in Hong Kong whilst also securing its first pole position at the inaugural Zurich E-Prix.
In the season-closing New York City E-Prix, Jaguar had a mixed set of results, with the penultimate race of the season seeing both Evans and Piquet encounter technical issues which marked the team's first double DNF while the season finale saw a double points finish for the squad in sixth and seventh.
After 12 rounds, Jaguar secured sixth in the Teams' Championship with 119 points while Evans and Piquet finished in seventh and ninth in the Drivers' Standings respectively.
“We made a big step forward this year and I believe we are the most improved team," said team director Barclay.
"Last year was a learning year and this season we have scored points in all but two races.
"It would have been great to secure a couple more podiums but we will take the learnings and it will make us stronger for next year.
"I would like to thank the whole team and our partners for all the hard work and dedication. We are all motivated to work hard before the start of next season and aim to carry this positive momentum forward.”
Evans, who is managed by ex-F1 driver Mark Webber, mirrored Barclay's attitude as the team gears up for Season Five:
"Securing a double points finish was our target and its a strong way to finish the year," he said. "We’re already working towards next season, we missed some opportunities this year but we are motivated to build on the improvements.”
Piquet continued: "We started the season strongly and could have achieved more. I’m looking forward to next year and finding the pace and efficiency ahead of the first race of the season.
"We will have to work really hard to regularly compete with the other teams from December onwards,” he added.
Formula E's fifth season of competition will commence on December 15 with the inaugural Riyadh E-Prix and testing for the next generation of the FIA's premier electric championship is already underway. For Season Five, Jaguar will maintain its current lineup with Evans and Piquet.
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