Author: jonathan townsley

LATEST NEWS

Envision Racing are Formula E World Champions!

30 July 2023

Victory for Nick Cassidy in the final race of the season gives Envision Racing the Formula E Teams’ Championship on home soil after a sensational London E-Prix.

Both Envision Racing and Jaguar Racing started the final race of the 2022–23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in London level on points in the Teams’ Championship standings. And after a delay of an hour and a half due to heavy rain, Nick Cassidy kept his cool and executed a masterful drive, leading from start to finish, to beat Mitch Evans and secure first place in the Teams’ Championship standings for Envision Racing.

Cassidy’s team-mate Sébastien Buemi played his part, fending off Jaguar’s Sam Bird to come home sixth and solidify Envision Racing’s triumph.

Sunday’s drama started in qualifying as Cassidy narrowly beat Evans to claim pole position and bag three vital points ahead of the weekend’s second race. In the race itself, Cassidy was untouchable, shrugging off the rain delay to lead from the front and bring home Envision Racing’s maiden Teams’ Championship title.

It is fitting that the titanic, season-long fight between the two Jaguar-powered teams came to an exciting conclusion in the English capital, underlining what has been a sometimes dominant campaign for the powertrain. In all, four Jaguar-powered drivers finished in the top eight of the Drivers’ Championship order.

QUALIFYING

Both Envision Racing drivers competed in Group A of qualifying, and the battle with Jaguar immediately got underway. The best time of the session was set by Cassidy, with Buemi ending up third fastest, and the Jaguar of Sam Bird in fourth.

With intermittent rain falling on the outside portion of ExCel London, Buemi took on newly-crowned champion Jake Dennis in the first quarter-final. And it was Dennis who prevailed by 0.008 seconds in a thrilling duel. Buemi would end up seventh on the grid.

Envision Racing’s Cassidy faced Bird in an all-Jaguar-powered face-off, beating the British driver and progressing to the semi-finals, setting up a duel with erstwhile title rival Dennis.  

Cassidy edged out Dennis, keeping his cool to make the final. The big question was could the Kiwi claim pole position? The answer was yes. Fittingly, it was Cassidy up against Jaguar’s Mitch Evans, and it was Cassidy who won a thrilling fight by just 0.003 seconds to claim pole and hand Envision Racing the lead in the Team’s Championship ahead of the race.  

THE RACE

When the race eventually started after a lengthy delay due to heavy rain and several safety car laps, Cassidy emerged from the dry indoor section of ExCel London in the lead as the field headed onto the very wet outdoor portion of the circuit amid considerable spray and limited visibility.Cassidy slithered around the first lap, which equated to lap six following the initial safety car intervention, followed by Evans and Norman Nato. 

By lap 10, Cassidy had used all his skill and experience of wet weather racing to establish a lead of over two seconds, allowing him to take Attack Mode and remain in the lead, as team-mate Buemi held on to seventh behind the Jaguar Racing machine of Bird.

At the halfway point, Cassidy set the fastest lap of the race, as he extended his advantage over Evans. 10 laps later, Cassidy looked comfortable at the head of the field, maintaining a three second gap over his fellow Kiwi as the track dried. Further back, Bird started to hassle Buemi for sixth place, momentarily passing before Buemi snatched back the place on lap 28 and pulled away.

 

Back at the front, the gap between leader Cassidy and second place man Evans ebbed and flowed. And with four laps added to the original 34-lap duration things were tense as the race and the season approached its climax.

At the chequered flag, Cassidy crossed the line first to claim his fourth victory of the year, securing the Teams’ Championship for Envision Racing and leapfrogging Evans to take second place in the Drivers’ Championship standings. Behind the victorious ‘Driver of the Race’ Cassidy, Buemi came home sixth to add more points to Envision Racing’s winning tally and end up sixth in the Drivers’ Championship.

“Ultimately I am very, very happy. I did the business for the team and I am proud of what we have achieved,” said Cassidy. “Envision Racing are an incredible bunch of people and they worked so hard. These guys have been so close on so many occasions, which shows how strong they are in this championship, so to finally get it done is absolutely fantastic.”

Speaking after the landmark win, Sylvain Filippi, Managing Director & CTO at Envision Racing Formula E Team said: “We started competing in Formula E nine years ago, and we’ve been close a few times. We have won many races, scored the highest number of points in the history of Formula E, but this championship is what we wanted to achieve. It has been an amazing season. I am so happy with the team, they are the best!”

“I am very pleased to have helped Envision Racing win the Teams’ championship,” stated Buemi. “Today was a good result after the rain and tricky conditions, It has been a long hard season with plenty of ups and downs, and this is deserved by the whole team.”

Teams’ standings (after Rd 16):
1. Envision Racing, 304pts
2. Jaguar Racing, 292pts
3. Avalanche Andretti, 252pts
4. Porsche Formula E Team, 242pts
5. DS Penske, 163pts

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 16):
1. Jake Dennis, 229pts
2. Nick Cassidy, 199pts
3. Mitch Evans, 197pts
4. Pascal Wehrlein, 149pts
5. Jean-Éric Vergne, 107pts
6. Sébastien Buemi, 105pts

LATEST NEWS

Sebastien Buemi secures vital London E-Prix podium

29 July 2023

Envision Racing focus on bringing home the Team’s Championship after drama and disappointment underlined the weekend’s opening race.

Sébastien Buemi emerged from a dramatic, double red-flagged first race of the season-ending London E-Prix weekend with a hard-fought third place, and his first podium finish of the season. 

Things got underway in London with a stellar start for Drivers’ Championship challenger Nick Cassidy and team-mate Buemi. Both Envision Racing drivers were flying in formation throughout the opening laps, and everything looked good, as Cassidy held the lead, with Buemi running second, allowing the New Zealander to pull away.

Everything changed as the race approached the halfway point. A broken front wing also broke the heart of Cassidy, ending his title-winning aspirations. With Cassidy eventually forced to retire, Buemi took up the charge to keep the fight for the Teams’ Championship on the boil, and Envision Racing remain on top of the standings with one race remaining.

Things had turned out pretty well for Cassidy in qualifying. After posting the fastest time in practice, once again the Envision Racing driver made his way into the duels, only to face team-mate Buemi for the third time this season.

Cassidy prevailed, and went on to battle fellow Kiwi Mitch Evans in the final.

Despite losing out to Evans, the Jaguar driver was handed a five-place grid penalty due to his involvement in that dramatic incident in Rome last time out, meaning Cassidy would claim a vital pole, with title rival Dennis second, and Buemi third.

THE RACE

All four championship contenders started the weekend’s opening race in the top seven, and it was Cassidy who led into the opening sequence of corners, as Buemi heroically barged his way into second and past Dennis.

Envision Racing ended the opening lap running one-two, ahead of Dennis. With Buemi acting as a rear gunner, team-mate Cassidy could breathe a little easier in the opening phase of the race. Behind the leading quartet, Rene Rast and Evans looked keen to unseat Dennis from the final podium place.

By lap five, with Buemi backing the pack up, Cassidy streaked to a lead over over a second, allowing the Envision Racing driver to take Attack Mode and rejoin in the lead. Two laps later, Dennis was demoted to fourth by a racy Evans, as up front Cassidy took a second Attack Mode phase, regaining the lead once again.

There was further good news for Cassidy as Dennis failed to trigger his first Attack Mode phase, losing another place. Despite this, Cassidy dropped to third in a bid to save early-race energy, falling behind Buemi, as Evans assumed the lead.

On lap 11 it was all change as fortune shone on Dennis. The British driver passed Cassidy for fourth, relegating the Envision Racing driver to fifth. There was further drama two laps later as Cassidy and Buemi, hunting as a duo, muscled past Dennis. This enabled Buemi to run in third, with Cassidy following in his wheel tracks.

Disaster struck for Cassidy on lap 15. Running in fourth, the front wing became dislodged following light contact with Buemi, hampering the Envision Racing driver and sending him into the pits, effectively ending his afternoon.

As Cassidy pitted for a new wing, a safety car was called on lap 16 to clear up the subsequent debris. At the head of the field, Buemi held second as the race restarted.

With Cassidy retiring, it was left to Buemi to bag the big points in the quest for the Teams’ Championship. Entering the final 10 laps, the Swiss driver continued to pile the pressure on Evans whilst defending from Rast.

A sizeable crash for Sacha Fenestraz at Turn 13 triggered a second safety car period. Following a handful of laps, the safety car phase turned into a race stoppage and to allow barrier repairs to take place.

Following a lengthy delay, the battle was on again in a four-lap dash with Evans leading Buemi and Dennis. On the second lap of the restart, Evans took an Attack Mode phase and regained the lead as Buemi fell back to fourth. Things got considerably worse for Buemi and several other drivers as a multi-car shunt played out at Turn 14, necessitating a second red flag.  

The third start, and the second rolling start of the afternoon, saw Evans hold onto his lead from António Félix da Costa, as Buemi held fourth in pursuit of third place man Dennis in a two-lap dash to the finish.

At the chequered flag, Buemi seemingly had to settle for fourth as Evans claimed victory for Jaguar. Fourth dramatically became third for the Envision Racing driver, and a vital podium, as second place driver da Costa was hit with a three-minute time penalty.

Da Costa’s penalty promoted Dennis to second, handing him the Drivers’ Championship title, whilst Buemi’s hard work means the Team’s Championship is very much alive heading into the final race of an epic season.

 

LATEST NEWS

London E-Prix Preview: Two races remain, two titles up for grabs in the UK

24 July 2023

Envision Racing head to a dramatic season conclusion to Season 9 at the London E-Prix this weekend with everything still to play for…

The 2022–23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has been an absolute cracker. With dramatic twists and turns a Hollywood script writer would struggle to match (even if they weren’t currently on strike…), it all comes down to the two final races at the unique ExCeL Centre in London.

Ahead of the season-ending double-header in the UK capital, Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy lies second in the Drivers’ Championship standings, 24 points adrift of leader Jake Dennis. But it could have been so different, had it not been for forces outside of his control, and subsequent drama last time out in Rome.

With a maximum of 54 points up for grabs in the final two races, nothing is decided just yet. Last year Cassidy claimed a top-three finish in London and, with seven visits to the podium this year including a hat-trick of victories, the Kiwi is no stranger to success in recent times.

He will be fired up to bring home every point possible at what is Envision Racing’s home track.

As well as a shot at winning a maiden Drivers’ title, Envision Racing are in a strong position in the battle for a first Teams’ Championship crown. Thanks to points bagged by Cassidy and team-mate Sébastien Buemi in testing conditions last time out in Rome, the team lead the standings heading to London with a healthy 14-point lead over Porsche.

With both drivers showing race-winning pace and a home crowd to spur them on, Envision Racing will have every incentive to go all out for glory at ExCeL London.

THE CHALLENGE IN LONDON

Formula E racing in London provides a singular challenge. Featuring a unique indoor starting grid, the pitlane, pit garages and the opening sequence of corners are all housed under the roof of ExCeL London. This tight series of corners has provided a place for much drama in recent years, and could well see some decisive action in 2023.

From the twisty start to the lap, the ultra smooth indoor surface makes way for the bumpy and abrasive great outdoors, including a slippery metal strip, as the surrounds of London’s brutalist Docklands loom into view.     

The drivers will battle it out next to the River Thames, negotiating a set of chicanes and elevation changes, before the circuit opens out into a mixture of flowing turns and right right-handers. 

As well as the ups and downs of this one-off challenge, the drivers also have to deal with changes in light as the outdoors makes way for the darkness and artificial lighting of the arena. 

LAST TIME OUT IN ROME

The double-header in the Italian capital certainly delivered drama and a suitably gladiatorial battle between the main Drivers’ Championship title contenders Cassidy and Dennis.

In the weekend’s opening race Cassidy drove superbly, coming from ninth on the grid to end up in the wheel tracks of eventual winner and fellow New Zealander Mitch Evans. With Dennis ending up fourth, it was very much advantage Cassidy heading into the weekend’s second race, but Saturday’s race wasn’t all fun and games for Envision Racing.

Cassidy’s team-mate Buemi was fighting back from an early race issue before coming across the stricken Jaguar of Sam Bird. With nowhere to go, the Swiss driver slammed into Bird’s car, causing extensive damage to his Jaguar I-Type 6 machine, and following the inevitable red flag and lengthy clean up, just 13 cars restarted from the original 21.

After an incredible all-night repair job from the Envision Racing team, somehow Buemi not only made the grid for Sunday’s race, but also progressed to the duels in qualifying for the second consecutive day. He rewarded his team’s hard work with a stellar fifth at the flag as it was Cassidy’s turn to suffer.

Looking for the lead from Dennis on lap two, Cassidy was hit from behind by a wayward Evans. In an unfortunate and spectacular crash, the Jaguar was sent flying over the Envision Racing machine, compromising Cassidy’s race and any hope of victory.

As a result, the best the championship leader could hope for was 14th, as Dennis went on to win and retake a strong lead in the standings.

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 14):
1. Jake Dennis, 195pts
2. Nick Cassidy, 171pts
3. Mitch Evans, 151pts
4. Pascal Wehrlein, 146pts
5. Jean-Éric Vergne, 107pts
8. Sébastien Buemi, 82pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 14):
1. Envision Racing, 253pts
2. Porsche Formula E Team, 239pts
3. Jaguar Racing, 228pts
4. Avalanche Andretti, 218pts
5. DS Penske, 15pts

RANDOM FACT

For the 2012 Summer Olympics, ExCeL London was divided into five sports halls, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 spectators, that were used for boxing, fencing, judo, taekwondo, table tennis, weightlifting, and wrestling. 

WHERE AND WHEN TO WATCH THE LONDON E-PRIX (ALL TIMES BST)

ROUND 15

28 July: Free Practice 1 – 17:00 – 17:45

29 July: Free Practice 2 – 10:30 – 11:15

29 July: Qualifying – 12:40 – 13:55

29 July: Race – 17:03 – 18:30

ROUND 16

30 July: Free Practice 3 – 10:30 – 11:00

30 July: Qualifying – 12:40 – 13:55

30 July: Race – 17:03 – 18:30

LATEST NEWS

Cassidy forced to fight back after more drama in Rome

16 July 2023

A tough round 14 ended up with no points for Cassidy as Buemi bounced back to take a fantastic 5th 

It was another scorching hot day in the Italian capital, and the race came to the boil on lap two. With Cassidy running second and looking to take an early lead from championship rival and eventual race winner Jake Dennis, Mitch Evans hit Cassidy’s Envision Racing machine in a dramatic-looking crash and an unfortunate incident, effectively ending Evans’ race and Cassidy’s quest for victory.

Somehow, Cassidy managed to keep his cool and rejoin and an unlikely points finish looked on the cards, but despite a tenacious fight back, there were to be no points for his 14th place finish, as the gap to Dennis at the championship summit increased to 24 points with just two races left this season.

For Buemi and Envision Racing the outcome of the second race of the weekend was the culmination of an incredible piece of teamwork. 24 hours previous and Buemi’s car lay in tatters following a huge multi-car shunt. The team worked through the night to rebuild the Swiss driver’s racer, and he repaid them with fifth at the flag, and valuable points to keep the team top of the Teams’ Championship with just two races in London remaining.

QUALIFYING

Hitting the track in qualifying Group A, Cassidy immediately sailed to the top of the timesheets. And that’s where the Kiwi racer stayed until the dying seconds, ending up second, signalling his intent for the afternoon, and sailing into the duels.

The fact that Buemi made it into qualifying was a minor miracle. The Envision Team did an incredible job to repair his severely damaged car following a huge crash in the opening race of the weekend and the Swiss driver set the pace in the early phase of qualifying. Buemi ended Group B qualifying a superb second fastest, making the knock-out phase for the second consecutive day.

Cassidy faced Dan Ticktum in the opening quarter-final, beating the British driver and progressing into the semi-finals. Cassidy’s Envision Racing team-mate Buemi took on Norman Nato in his quarter-final, only to make a rare error, handing the win to the Nissan driver and ending up eighth on the grid.

Cassidy faced his fellow New Zealander Evans in the first semi-final, and after a close one-lap face off Cassidy was imperious and made the final for the first time in 2023. The big question was, could he take the pole position?

The answer was no, but it was close. Racing against title rival Dennis, who secured the three valuable points for claiming pole position, the Envision Racing driver couldn’t quite match his quarry, but ensured a second place starting slot for the second race of the weekend.

THE RACE

When the lights went out to start round 14 of the 2022–23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, it was Dennis who made the best start, followed by Cassidy who was passed halfway around the opening lap by Nato. Behind, Buemi dropped two places, running in 10th throughout the opening laps.

Cassidy retook second place, relegating Nato to third, and then fourth, as Evans passed to set about hassling the Envision Racing man. Cassidy was forced to apply some deft defensive skills to resist his fellow Kiwi as he looked to reel in Dennis up front.

Any hope of a fourth win of the season for Cassidy came to a dramatic end on lap two. An out of control Evans spun into the rear of Cassidy at Turn 7 as ahead, the Envision Racing driver looked to pass Dennis for the lead. The resulting contact sent the Jaguar flying over Cassidy’s car, which was forced down the escape road.

Remarkably, Cassidy managed to rejoin the race as a safety car was called to bunch up the pack. Even more remarkably, the previously airborne Evans pitted and rejoined the race, only to retire after a handful of laps. When the dust settled, Cassidy found himself in 18th with team-mate Buemi running sixth, focused on bagging vital points in the Teams’ Championship.

By lap 10 Cassidy fought back to 11th, one place outside the points, as Buemi slotted into fourth place with the race lead well within view. Up front Dennis and Sam Bird battled hard for the lead.

Buemi took his first Attack Mode phase on lap 17, dropping from fourth to sixth, as Dennis headed the race, followed by Nato and Bird, and in short order Buemi as he reclaimed fourth. Two laps later, Buemi took a longer six minutes of Attack Mode, rejoining in fifth behind the Maserati of Edoardo Mortara.

As the drivers started the final lap, Cassidy’s quest for points looked to be just out of reach as the Envision Racing driver held 13th place. Further ahead Buemi pursued Mortara for fourth, but was forced to settle for fifth as Dennis took the victory ahead of Nato and Bird. Cassidy ended his Rome E-Prix in 14th.

With two races left in what has been a thrilling season, all eyes turn to Envision Racing’s home race at London ExCeL, and both the Drivers’ and Teams’ titles are still well within reach.

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 14):
1. Jake Dennis, 195pts
2. Nick Cassidy, 171pts
3. Mitch Evans, 151pts
4. Pascal Wehrlein, 146pts
5. Jean-Éric Vergne, 107pts
8. Sébastien Buemi, 82pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 14):
1. Envision Racing, 253pts
2. Porsche Formula E Team, 239pts
3. Jaguar Racing, 228pts
4. Avalanche Andretti, 218pts
5. DS Penske, 153pts

LATEST NEWS

Cassidy goes top after a thriller in Rome

15 July 2023

Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy claimed another podium to retake the lead of the Formula E Drivers’ Championship standings at the Rome E-Prix on Saturday.

The heat was on in the Italian capital as the 2022–23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship motored towards its climax. After a dramatic race, amid sweltering heat wave conditions, Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy raced superbly to take second, confirming his seventh visit to the podium in 2023, and retakes the lead of the Drivers’ Championship.

Cassidy started the weekend just one point shy of Jake Dennis at the summit of the Drivers’ Championship standings, and heading into Sunday’s second race of the weekend the Kiwi driver leads his British rival by five points. Coming home behind eventual winner Mitch Evans, Cassidy once again executed a superb race strategy, mixing aggression and decisive overtaking with calm energy saving. 

As well as ensuring a return to the top of the Drivers’ Championship, Cassidy’s points haul places Envision Racing at the head of the Teams’ Championship going into Sunday’s Round 14.

Cassidy’s Envision Racing team-mate Sébastien Buemi enjoyed a strong qualifying. Starting fourth, the Envision Racing driver recovered from a slow start to run in eighth, looking good before slamming into Sam Bird’s stricken Jaguar, as part of an unavoidable chain reaction involving multiple cars, causing a lengthy race stoppage.  

Thankfully all drivers involved emerged unscathed from the biggest accident of the year.

QUALIFYING

Both Envision Racing drivers headed out in Group B qualifying for the opening race of the weekend in Rome, and Buemi held the second fastest time throughout the opening phase. And second is where the Swiss driver would end up, as more crucially, a crash from Jake Hughes in the dying seconds ended the session prematurely, meant Cassidy would end up ninth on the grid and have no chance to make the shootout.

It was left to Buemi to take up the challenge for Envision Racing in the knock-out phase of qualifying, and he took on McLaren’s Rene Rast as track temperatures continued to rise. After a tense duel, it was Buemi who brilliantly mastered the heat and bumps in Rome to nail the final sector progress into the semi-finals.

And in the second semi-final, Buemi went up against eventual pole position-winner Evans.It was the Jaguar driver who bettered the Envision Racing machine of Buemi to hand the former Formula E champion a fourth place slot on the starting grid.

THE RACE

At the start of the weekend’s opening race, Sam Bird snatched the lead from polesitter Evans as Buemi slipped back immediately, coming to a virtual standstill halfway around the opening lap due to a wayward Maserati. This relegated Buemi to ninth, but aided team-mate Cassidy who slipped by, finding himself in sixth by the end of the opening lap, one place behind championship leader Dennis.

On lap two the first real drama occurred when championship contender Pascal Wehrlein suffered a puncture, relegating the German driver to the rear of the pack. Back up front, Bird cycled to the lead, whilst Cassidy looked to keep in touch with the top five, as Buemi recovered a place back to eighth.

A crashed Andre Lotterer brought out a safety car on lap three, closing up the pack. At the restart the two leading Jaguar cars swapped places with Evans once more assuming the lead with the two Envision Racing cars separated by the Maserati of Maximilian Günther.

Ahead of Cassidy it was all change, and by lap seven Sacha Fenestraz split the two Jaguars, taking second place, followed by Rast who took third, relegating Bird to fourth. One lap later Fenestraz took the lead as a huge crash involving the Jaguar of Bird, an unsighted Buemi and Edoardo Mortara immediately brought out the red flag, stopping the race.

With heavily damaged cars, carbon fibre shards and debris littering the circuit, a lengthy clean up was required, and when the action got back underway, Cassidy restarted in fifth, one of just 13 cars remaining from the 21 that started.

An understandably cautious Cassidy was passed by Günther on the opening lap of the restart, as Fenestraz headed the field. Cassidy’s caution made way for bravery a few corners later as Cassidy overtook Günther to claim fifth with an artful pass.

Rast became the next target for Cassidy on lap 12, and the Envision Racing driver made a brilliant move at Turn 14, to slot in behind Dennis and apply enormous pressure as Günther continued to hassle.

With 10 laps remaining, the battle at the front really came to the boil as Dennis hit the lead from Fenestraz, Evans and Cassidy. On lap 17, Cassidy claimed third at Turn 4, setting about new second place man Evans as the top three closed up.

Entering the final five laps, Evans headed Dennis with Cassidy just about keeping touch in third and pulling away from Günther. As Evans and Cassidy took late-race Attack Mode phases, Dennis assumed the lead, only to be re-passed by Evans as Cassidy closed in and snatched second from Dennis. With two laps added to the initial 25-lap distance, Cassidy set about chasing fellow New Zealander Evans as Dennis slipped further down the field. 

At the chequered flag it was Evans who triumphed, with Cassidy close behind in second place. Günther completed the podium with Dennis holding on to fourth, losing his championship lead to the Envision Racing driver.

“At the start of the race I didn’t expect to be on the podium,” revealed Cassidy. “We had a quick car, and more than anything I was disappointed with qualifying as we had a good shot to make it into the duels, but that was what it was, and we started ninth and had a good race. I felt at the end of the race Mitch was a bit stronger than me, but it is a good result and we will regroup tonight, look at where we are and we will go again tomorrow.”

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 13):
1. Nick Cassidy, 171pts
2. Jake Dennis, 166pts
3. Mitch Evans, 151pts
4. Pascal Wehrlein, 144pts
5. Jean-Éric Vergne, 107pts
8. Sébastien Buemi, 72pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 13):
1. Envision Racing, 243pts
2. Porsche Formula E Team, 237pts
3. Jaguar Racing, 213pts
4. Avalanche Andretti, 189pts
5. DS Penske, 149pts

LATEST NEWS

Another back-to-back victory? Envision Racing eye up more success at the Rome E-Prix

11 July 2023

A crucial double-header in Italy awaits Nick Cassidy and Envision Racing as the battle for both Formula E championship titles heats up. 

The inaugural Portland E-Prix was one to remember for Envision Racing, and in particular Nick Cassidy. Following a difficult double-header weekend in Indonesia for the Jakarta E-Prix, the Kiwi racer bounced back in style to claim his third victory of the year as Formula E competed in the Pacific Northwest for the first time.

The second career victory on US soil for Cassidy proved to be a vital one. Heading into a two-race weekend for the Rome E-Prix, and with just four races remaining in 2023, the Envision Racing driver sits just one point behind Jake Dennis. Coupled with this, Envision Racing are only six points adrift of Teams’ Championship leaders Porsche.

The gladiatorial battle is on in the Eternal City.

Once again this season, Cassidy proved he is a master of the overtake. Starting in 10th, the Berlin and Monaco E-Prix victor executed a supremely measured race plan to add a West Coast triumph to his New York City E-Prix scalp from 2022.

The racing was close and at times chaotic in Portland, and both Cassidy and Envision Racing team-mate Sébastien Buemi will be hoping for a less eventful weekend, back on European soil, and on a familiar layout. 

Buemi certainly knows his way around the streets surrounding the Colosseum, and the Swiss driver has regularly graced the top 10 in the Italian capital, with a best result of fifth achieved in Season 5. Cassidy made waves in Rome during his debut season, claiming a sensational pole position after just his fourth Formula E qualifying session back in 2021.

Will Cassidy be seeking a front row start this time, or would he rather fight from the mid pack?  

THE CHALLENGE IN ROME

Making up Rounds 13 and 14 of the 2022–23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, this year’s race will make up the fifth time the Rome E-Prix has been staged. The first race was hosted in Season 4, with no event held during the COVID-19 pandemic affected season in 2020.

The Circuito Cittadino dell’EUR has become a favourite amongst the Formula E paddock. Featuring one of the longest layouts on the calendar, the layout is packed with varying undulations and elevation changes which can have a major impact on how teams and drivers approach both qualifying, and the race strategy. Add to this iconic landmarks and buildings such as the Piazza G. Marconi and the imposing Piazzale delle Naziono Unite, and you have a stage for both great racing and iconic scenery.

The long straights and tight corners mean that overtaking is going to happen in both races come rain or shine. As witnessed in the previous races this year, leading the early stages in a GEN3 car is not the most ideal thing, and picking the right time to lead the pack will be crucial in determining the winner in 2023. It also means that a front row qualifying slot isn’t make or break for a big points haul in Rome.

Envision Racing have form in Italy, with pole positions and podiums in the record books. With the momentum from Cassidy’s victory in Portland, and a resurgent Sébastien Buemi, all roads could be leading to another big points haul this weekend as the battle for the top heats up in Formula E.  

LAST TIME OUT IN PORTLAND

The very first Portland E-Prix had it all, and Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy showed why he is one of the coolest, and fastest, cats in Formula E.

In 2023 nobody has matched the New Zealand racer in his ability to pull off decisive and sometimes audacious overtakes when it matters. Whether it be fighting back to claim vital points in his championship charge, or securing E-Prix wins in Monaco and Berlin, the Envision Racing driver left Portland in championship contention.

‘Driver of the Race’ Cassidy started his afternoon in the picturesque surrounds of Oregon state six points adrift of Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein as the battle for the win went right down to the final lap. Staring 10th, Cassidy surged to the front, intermittently leading throughout the early phase of the race, saving energy, tyres and composure until the final lap, where he fended off new championship leader Jake Dennis to make it a hat-trick of win in 2023 and remain a bonafide title contender as the season approaches its climax.

Underlining the pace of the Jaguar-powered Envision Racing machine, team-mate Sébastien Buemi showed his grit and speed. The Swiss driver battled back from the lower reaches of the pack to end up fifth at the flag to bolster his team’s title challenge, and he will look to score big in Rome as well as help Cassidy’s quest for the Drivers’ Championship.

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 12):
1. Jake Dennis, 154pts
2. Nick Cassidy, 153pts
3. Pascal Wehrlein, 136pts
4. Mitch Evans, 122pts
5. Jean-Éric Vergne, 97pts
8. Sébastien Buemi, 72pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 12):
1. Porsche Formula E Team, 229pts
2. Envision Racing, 225pts
3. Jaguar Racing, 190pts
4. Avalanche Andretti, 177pts
5. DS Penske, 139pts

HOW AND WHERE TO WATCH THE ROME E-PRIX (ALL TIMES BST)

14 July Free Practice 1 – 16:00 – 16:45

15 July Free Practice 2 – 07:10 – 07:55

15 July Qualifying – 09:40 – 10:55

15 July Race – 14:03 – 15:30

16 July Free Practice 3 – 07:10 – 07:55

16 July Qualifying – 09:40 – 10:55

16 July Race – 14:03 – 15:30

Follow Envision Racing here as they look to continue fighting at the front in Formula E in 2023.

 

LATEST NEWS

Cassidy rules supreme and wins in Portland

25 June 2023

A stunning display saw Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy claim his third win of the season at the inaugural Portland E-Prix as both championships are up for grabs.

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship did its thing in the Pacific Northwest for the first time on Saturday for the Portland E-Prix, and Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy did his thing, winning for the third time in 2023 to reignite his, and Envision Racing’s, championship challenge.

Cassidy began his afternoon in Oregon sitting in third place in the Drivers’ Championship standings, six points adrift of Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein. Despite starting the first ever Portland E-Prix in 10th, Cassidy judged his race to perfection, overtaking left, right and centre, mixing speed and strategy, to end up at the front when it mattered in a frantic E-Prix.

The Portland International Raceway is no stranger to dramatic motorsport battles. The fast and flowing circuit offered a different challenge from the more familiar street-circuit layouts, but proved a welcome home for the GEN3 Formula E machinery.

Amid the chaotic, sometimes three-wide pack racing in Portland, Cassidy’s team-mate Sébastien Buemi enjoyed a rewarding afternoon. The Swiss driver started back in 16th, but kept out of trouble and saved energy well to cap his best result since April’s Berlin E-Prix, claiming fifth in North America.

THE RACE

Cassidy started the inaugural Portland E-Prix in 10th place, for the third race in a row. The Envision Racing Driver made immediate progress, and as up front polesitter Jake Dennis held the lead, Cassidy found himself in fifth by the beginning of lap two of 28.

From the opening laps it quickly became clear patience, and a strict energy saving strategy would be key to success in Portland. By lap three, Cassidy tentatively cycled to the lead, relegating Dennis to second, with Rene Rast holding third. On lap four, Cassidy became the first of the frontrunners to take an Attack Mode phase, dropping to fourth.

 

One lap later the first safety car was triggered by the stricken Mahindra of Roberto Merhi, with the restart coming on lap seven and Norman Nato heading the pack. As several of the leading drivers including Cassidy took Attack Mode, further back, Envision Racing’s Buemi managed to make ground, moving up to 12th.

Back at the front it was a calculated tussle, with drivers giving themselves plenty of racing room as the positions swapped in anticipation of a late-race squabble for the win. As Cassidy took the lead on lap 10, a sizeable crash for Nico Müller brought out another safety car phase. 

With the heavily damaged Abt removed from the circuit, racing resumed on lap 16 with Nato heading the field to the green flag, and Cassidy fending off Maximilian Günther, before somewhat reluctantly retaking the lead on lap 18. Cassidy managed to artfully lead whilst also saving energy, putting him in a strong position for the closing laps.

By lap 20, the whole pack was playing a waiting game and saving energy, with Cassidy somehow remaining at the head of the field, finally being passed by António Félix da Costa two laps later.

For the first time the pack racing formation was broken, as da Costa pulled away from Cassidy, with Günther holding third, as it was announced that due to the earlier safety car phases, four laps would be added to the initial 28-lap race duration.

Cassidy retook the lead at the beginning of lap 27, passing da Costa at the final turn as Dennis moved into third. Third became second for Dennis as the race entered its final four laps and the battle for victory was well and truly on with Cassidy up front.

Da Costa passed Cassidy at the end of lap 29, only to be repassed by the Envision Racing man a few hundred metres later as incredibly, Buemi found himself in fourth and in with a shot for a podium.

The final lap started with Cassidy up front. Could the Envision Racing driver hold on for a third win of the year? The answer was yes, as the Berlin and Monaco winner resisted a resurgent Dennis to take the chequered flag and end up just one point off the lead of the Drivers’ Championship.

Behind Cassidy, Buemi sealed a superb fifth place to bag vital points for the Teams’ Championship, putting Envision Racing just four points adrift of Porsche as the team heads back to Europe for the final four races of the season.

“We’ve had a good run in America over the last couple of years, and I love racing here,” said Cassidy.

“That race was fun, it was so close and the battle with both da Costa and Jake was pretty intense. Credit to Envision Racing, what a car, what a powertrain, it allowed us to move up the field and fight at the front and get the win.”

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 12):
1. Jake Dennis, 154pts
2. Nick Cassidy, 153pts
3. Pascal Wehrlein, 136pts
4. Mitch Evans, 122pts
5. Jean-Éric Vergne, 97pts
8. Sébastien Buemi, 72pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 12):
1. Porsche Formula E Team, 229pts
2. Envision Racing, 225pts
3. Jaguar Racing, 190pts
4. Avalanche Andretti, 177pts
5. DS Penske, 139pts

LATEST NEWS

Envision Racing’s title challenge heads to the United States

19 June 2023

Another new track awaits the team as the Portland E-Prix sees Formula E visit the Pacific Northwest for the first time ever. 

Since its inception in 2014, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has visited the United States six times, but the Portland E-Prix will mark the first time the sport will race outside New York City. And what a spectacle it promises to be.

The vibrant and lively city of Portland, Oregon is located 278km south of Seattle and in the United States beautiful Pacific Northwest region, responsible for grunge music, Frasier, Twin Peaks and, in the Portland International Raceway, one of the most scenic motorsport venues in North America. 

Envision Racing, and their two drivers Nick Cassidy and Sébastien Buemi, head to these new racing pastures following a difficult double-header at the Jakarta E-Prix. Cassidy started the weekend at the summit of the Drivers’ Championship standings, ended it sitting in third place, but still just six points adrift of leader Pascal Wehrlein.

With the Portland E-Prix marking the final non-European race of the year, and just four races remaining after that, both the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships are far from decided and the competition will be white hot.

THE CHALLENGE IN PORTLAND 

Unlike many circuits that make up the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar, the Portland International Raceway is a permanent motorsports facility. Most notably, it has hosted IndyCar competition for several decades, as well as other top-level racing series.

The 3.190km circuit features 12 varying corners, and features a huge challenge right at the beginning of the lap; the chicane.

If other racing series are any indicator, more often than not the heavy braking required from the long start-finish straight to get slowed down for this part of the circuit can cause some serious drama. It will certainly provide some thrills and spills, both at the start of the E-Prix as the pack funnels through the right-left-right sequence of turns, and also later in the race, as it will provide a key overtaking place.

As well as a place to gain positions, the chicane will be key in qualifying. Get it right and you will be set up for a quick lap, and potentially a place in the qualification duel.

After the chicane, the circuit opens out into an increasingly flowing challenge with a quick back section which will stretch the capabilities of the new faster, more efficient GEN3 machines, and provide a stage for plenty of overtaking.

LAST TIME OUT IN JAKARTA

Following those two scintillating back-to-back victories for the team in Berlin and Monaco, it was a bit of a reality check last time out at the Jakarta E-Prix.

In the key double-header weekend, the best result for the team came with seventh for Cassidy in Saturday’s opening race, whilst team-mate Buemi had a day to forget, ending up 20th. It wasn’t all bad, however, and Cassidy bagged the fastest lap and an additional point along with six valuable championship points.

The following day, round 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship proved to be the lowest point of the season so far for Cassidy and saw the Kiwi knocked off the top spot in the Drivers’ Championship. A mid-race error resulted in an 18th place finish and with it just the second time in 11 races that Cassidy failed to score points.

Despite this, amid the broiling heat of the Indonesian capital, Buemi managed to end the weekend’s final race in the top 10, showing grit and determination to battle back from an early race setback to snatch 10th and crucial points for the Teams’ Championship.  

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 11):
1. Pascal Wehrlein, 134pts
2. Jake Dennis, 133pts
3. Nick Cassidy, 128pts
4. Mitch Evans, 109pts
5. Jean-Éric Vergne, 97pts
9. Sébastien Buemi, 62pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 11):
1. Porsche Formula E Team, 212pts
2. Envision Racing, 190pts
3. Jaguar Racing, 171pts
4. Avalanche Andretti, 156pts
5. DS Penske, 139pts

RANDOM FACT 

Back in 1997, the premier American single-seater series CART saw a thrilling three-way finish, and one of the closest ever on a road course at the Portland International Raceway . 

On a damp track, British driver Mark Blundell managed to beat rival Gil de Ferran and Raul Boesel by half a tenth of a second, to score his first win in the series and etch the circuit into motorsport legend.

WHERE AND WHEN TO WATCH THE PORTLAND E-PRIX (ALL TIMES BST)

24 June Free Practice 1 – 01:25 – 01:15

24 June Free Practice 2 – 18:25 – 19:15

24 June Qualifying – 20:40 – 21:55

25 June Race – 01:03 – 02:30

Follow Envision Racing here as they look to continue fighting at the front in Formula E in 2023.

LATEST NEWS

Attention turns to Portland after a tough weekend in Indonesia for Envision Racing

4 June 2023

Rare pointless finish for Nick Cassidy underlines challenging Jakarta E-Prix, but title remains well within reach.

For the first time since the Diriyah E-Prix in January, Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy failed to score points. However, despite dropping to third in the Formula E Drivers’ Championship standings following the Jakarta E-Prix, the New Zealander remains in contention, as the team heads to new pastures next for the Portland E-Prix in the United States.

Cassidy went into the race weekend in Indonesia leading the championship by 21 points, and after a challenging weekend, goes into the final five races of the year just six points behind Pascal Wehrlein, but has proved he has the pace and the skill to regain his place at the summit.

The second race of the Jakarta E-Prix weekend saw Cassidy moving slowly, but surely, through the field. Starting 10th, by lap 20 of 38, the Envision Racing driver was up to eighth, behind title rival Wehrlein. It all went wrong in the second half of the race when a seemingly innocuous clash with Wehrlein saw him dislodge his front wing, forcing a pitstop, and ending any hope of points.

With Cassidy out of the picture at the business end of the action, it was left to team-mate Sébastien Buemi to battle for the points. He left it late but managed to sneak into the top 10 over the final laps, bringing home a single point that could yet prove vital come the end of the season.

THE RACE

For the second time in 24 hours, both Envision Racing drivers started a race in the same grid slot. Cassidy qualified for round 11 of the 2022–23 Formula E World Championship in 10th, and team-mate Buemi in 13th. By the end of the first lap of the weekend’s second and final race, both drivers maintained position, as pole-sitter Maximilian Günther held the lead.

Following a very clean and cautious start, by lap five, Cassidy and Buemi were running line astern in 12th and 13th respectfully, as the first flurry of Attack Modes were taken, and the top 10 settled into a waiting, energy saving game. Up front, Jake Dennis assumed the lead from Günther and Mitch Evans.

As the battle for the lead heated up, the midfield remained pretty sedate, with the only notable move being Cassidy edging closer to the points, grabbing 11th place, and then slipping into the points-paying positions, taking 10th from Jean-Éric Vergne on lap 12. Behind the Kiwi racer, Buemi held 13th, but with some damage to his front wing.

On lap 14, Cassidy was up to his renowned overtaking tricks, and claimed ninth place, crucially moving ever closer to championship rival Pascal Wehrlein. One lap later, as the leading quartet started to pull away from the pursuing pack, Cassidy found himself behind Wehrlein in eighth as Buemi moved up into 12th place.

Disaster struck for Cassidy on lap 20. The Envision Racing driver was forced to pit following contact with Wehrlein, which damaged his front wing, dropping the championship leader to last place. With Cassidy’s afternoon effectively over, it was left to Buemi to bring home the points for Envision Racing, and with 10 laps remaining, the Swiss driver was running in 10th, with a vital single point on the table.

After falling back to 11th in the closing laps, Buemi showed his customary grit and determination, passing Dan Ticktum and sneaking into the top 10 on the final lap, bagging a single point in the process.

Up front Günther claimed Maserati’s maiden win in Formula E ahead of Jake Dennis and Mitch Evans.

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 11):
1. Pascal Wehrlein, 134pts
2. Jake Dennis, 133pts
3. Nick Cassidy, 128pts
4. Mitch Evans, 109pts
5. Jean-Éric Vergne, 97pts
9. Sébastien Buemi, 62pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 11):
1. Porsche Formula E Team, 212pts
2. Envision Racing, 190pts
3. Jaguar Racing, 171pts
4. Avalanche Andretti, 156pts
5. DS Penske, 139pts

LATEST NEWS

Points in the bag after the opening race of the Jakarta E-Prix weekend

3 June 2023

ENVISION RACING’S NICK CASSIDY KICKED OFF WITH A SOLID 7TH PLACE IN INDONESIA AND MAINTAINS HIS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD

After stunning back-to-back victories in Berlin and Monaco, Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy showed he can bag the points, and mostly keep out of trouble, in his quest to maintain his place at the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings.

Starting 10th for the first of two races in the Indonesian capital, the Envision Racing driver made early race progress, moving up to eighth by the end of the first lap. A mid-race heart-in-mouth moment came following contact with Jean-Éric Vergne, but seventh place at the flag means that Cassidy maintains his place at the top of the championship standings, albeit with a reduced margin.

Cassidy went into the Jakarta E-Prix weekend 21 points ahead of Pascal Wehrlein, however victory for the Porsche driver means that the gap is now just two points between the two rivals.

Cassidy did set the fastest lap of Saturday’s race, however, indicating the team has good pace heading into the second race of the weekend.

Envision Racing’s Sébastien Buemi had a race to forget, however. The Swiss driver started 13th, but an early race puncture scuppered any progress, and he will look to regroup for Sunday’s race.  

THE RACE

When the lights went out to start the opening race of the weekend in Jakarta, Cassidy quickly made up one place, moving up to ninth, which became eighth by the halfway point of the opening lap, as pole position-winner Maximilian Günther held the lead. As Cassidy made progress, team-mate Buemi dropped from his starting slot of 13th down to the back of the field with a puncture.

On lap four, Günther lost his lead to Wehrlein as the field settled down. Further back, Cassidy held eighth, in pursuit of Robin Frijns, passing the Dutch driver as he elected to take his first Attack Mode phase of the race.

Cassidy’s first Attack Mode phase came on lap nine, holding seventh behind the Maserati of Edoardo Mortara. The Envision Racing man maintained a calm and collected waiting game throughout the first third of the 36-lap race, crucially conserving battery energy.

On lap 13, Wehrlein held the lead in the Porsche, ahead of Günther and Jake Dennis. With the top 10 more spaced out than previously seen at the Berlin E-Prix and Monaco E-Prix, options to make big gains looked slim, as Cassidy held seventh, but still in touch with the leading pack.

By the midpoint of the opening race of the weekend, some good pace from Cassidy meant that the Kiwi driver managed to get ahead of Mortara, holding sixth and looking to move deeper into the big points-paying positions. 

With Mortara dispatched, Cassidy looked to reel in Vergne, making a bold, and near disastrous move on the French driver under braking for turn one as the two cars made contact on lap 20. Surviving unscathed, Cassidy resumed his afternoon in sixth, proving that he has no plans to take it easy in the quest for points.

As the race approached the final 10 laps, the scrap for the podium heated up. Wehrlein, Dennis and Günther all engaged in a three-way battle for first, allowing Stoffel Vandoorne a look and bringing Cassidy closer in touch. As the dust settled, Cassidy took his second Attack Mode phase, dropping to seventh and setting himself up for a big push to the chequered flag.

Cassidy found himself stuck behind Mortara’s Maserati, and as the final lap approached, the Envision Driver held seventh. Any plans to reclaim sixth came to nothing, and Cassidy was forced to settle for seventh, and six vital points, as Wehrlein held on to win from Dennis and Günther.

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 10):
1. Nick Cassidy, 128pts
2. Pascal Wehrlein, 126pts
3. Jake Dennis, 114pts
4. Jean-Éric Vergne, 97pts
5. Mitch Evans, 94pts
8. Sébastien Buemi, 61pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 10):
1. Porsche Formula E Team, 198pts
2. Envision Racing, 189pts
3. Jaguar Racing, 156pts
4. Avalanche Andretti, 137pts
5. DS Penske, 137pts