Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy

Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy
CategoryOne-make racing stock production car by Jaguar
CountryInternational
Folded2020
ClassesPro, Pro-Am, Guest
Tyre suppliersMichelin
Last Drivers' championNew Zealand Simon Evans (Pro)
Saudi Arabia Fahad Algosaibi (Pro-Am)

The Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy was a battery electric zero-emission international motor racing series supporting the FIA Formula E Championship which ran two seasons from late 2018[1] to mid 2020. The series was cancelled after the 2019–20 season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] The eTrophy saw entrants compete in a race-prepared Jaguar I-Pace, also bearing the same name as the series, with the races taking place on selected Formula E weekends.[3][4]

Overview

The series was announced on 12 September 2017 at the Frankfurt Autoshow by chairman of Jaguar Racing Gerd Mäuser and Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag.[5]

Car

Main article: Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy (racecar)

The I-Pace racecar (carrying the same name as the series itself) was built by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, and developed from the road going Jaguar I-Pace.[1] Both the road going and racing versions of the I-Pace benefit from electric drive technology developed as part of Jaguar Racing's I-TYPE Formula E program.[6]

On 11 January 2018, it was announced that Michelin would be the official tire supplier for the series.[7]

Format

The series operated an 'Arrive and Drive' package for up to 20 drivers at each race, including a different VIP driver at every venue.[1]

Much like its parent series, the race weekend began on the day before an ePrix with a shakedown session. It was usually the first on-track activity of the whole weekend. Unlike Formula E, the free practice session was also held on this day. A 30-minute qualifying session along with the race was then held the next day. Races were scheduled for 25 minutes + one lap.[8]

For the 2019–20 season, Jaguar adopted the "attack mode" system from its parent series.[9]

Teams and drivers

For the full list of competitors, see 2018–19 Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy § Teams and drivers, and 2019–20 Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy § Teams and drivers.

Drivers competed in three classes – Pro, Pro-Am and Guest. Only the Pro and Pro-Am drivers were eligible to score points in Drivers' Championship. Championship points were given separately for the Pro and Pro-Am class. The Guest class was reserved for a VIP driver who was ineligible to score points. There was no separate Teams' Championship to compete for.

The inaugural season saw eleven full-time entries with four teams entered in the Pro class and three teams entered in the Pro-Am class. Sérgio Jimenez from Jaguar Brazil Racing became the Pro Champion, while Bandar Alesayi from Saudi Racing won in the Pro-Am competition. There were nine different VIP drivers, with Alice Powell being the most successful, finishing fifth at the 2018 Ad Diriyah ePrix. The second season started with eight and finished with ten full-time entries. Simon Evans from Team Asia New Zealand won the Pro class by just one point, while Fahad Algosaibi from Saudi Racing dominated the Pro-Am class. There were six different VIP drivers, with Mario Domínguez finishing third at the 2020 Mexico City ePrix, the all-time best result for a VIP driver.

Complete list of VIP drivers

References

  1. ^ a b c "Jaguar charges up I-Pace with all-electric race series". Jaguar Land Rover. 12 September 2017. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  2. ^ "Jaguar Racing announces Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy Series to conclude at the end of 19/20 season". Jaguar Racing. 18 May 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  3. ^ "History In The Making". Jaguar Land Rover. 12 September 2017. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  4. ^ "Jaguar launches I-Pace races to dispel 'boring' image of electric cars". Telegraph Media Group. 12 September 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  5. ^ Sheehan, Sam (12 September 2017). "Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy racing series to support Formula E next year". autocar.com. Haymarket Media Group. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  6. ^ Viknesh Vijayenthiran (20 November 2016). "2019 Jaguar I-Pace spy shots". Motor Authority.
  7. ^ Racer (11 January 2018). "Michelin named tire supplier for Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy series". Racer Media & Marketing Inc. Archived from the original on 14 January 2018. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  8. ^ "Ad Diriyah Timetable" (PDF). 4 December 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2019.[permanent dead link]
  9. ^ Kilshaw, Jake (10 September 2019). "Ten-Race Schedule Revealed; Attack Mode Confirmed". e-racing365. Retrieved 16 November 2019.