Mitch Evans and Rocket-Ship Take E-Victory

New Zealander Mitch Evans, 24, negotiated a chaotic opening lap that saw bumps, crashes and a multi-car pile up before pulling off a dramatic overtaking manoeuvre to secure victory at the Rome E-Prix.

Evans’ triumph is his first in Formula E and a first for Panasonic Jaguar in the sport. It also means that for the seventh time in seven races this season, a different driver and constructor has taken the checkered flag.

“I’ve got no words, to be honest,” Evans said after the race.

“Everyone has worked their hearts out. This feels really special.

“The car was an absolute rocket-ship today.”

The race was halted early when Jose Maria Lopez in the Geox Dragon brushed a curb and collided with a wall on the final corner of the first lap.

A pile up ensued, drawing a red flag that saw all cars hauled into the pits as some semblance of order was restored.

The race restarted after a lengthy delay with Andre Lotterer, who began on pole, setting the pace until Evans made his move at the Obelisk chicane whilst in attack mode.

Evans later described the move as “a little bit creative” and both cars appeared to touch as the Auckland-born driver burst into the lead.

Evans victory propels him into fourth place in the driver standings with Lotterer in third place just three points behind Mahindra Racing’s Jerome D’Ambrosio.

Original article by CNN, April 13, 2019.