THE FULL MONTE: FORMULA E STAR MITCH EVANS DRIVEN ACROSS THE COL DE TURINI IN ALL-ELECTRIC WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR
Jaguar returned to electrify the iconic Monte Carlo rally stage, 63 years after winning in 1956
Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver, Mitch Evans, took to the hills of Southern France ahead of this Saturday's ABB FIA Formula E-Prix in Monaco, France
Older brother Simon Evans was piloting a racing version of Jaguar's first all-electric road car, the Jaguar I-PACE, recently crowned World Car of the Year
Simon competes in the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY, the official support series of the ABB FIA Formula E championship
Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver Mitch Evans took to the passenger seat to be treated to an electrifying drive across the legendary Col de Turini by his racing driver brother, Simon Evans. The pair tackled one of the most dangerous roads in the world in a racing version of Jaguar's first all-electric road car, the I-PACE, recently crowned World Car of the Year.
The Col de Turini, located 1607 metres above sea level in the Maritime Alps, is steeped in motorsport folklore, with the Monte Carlo Rally often utilising its sheer drops and serpentine twists and turns for the ultimate test of driving skill.
The mountain pass lies near Sospel, between the communes of Moulinet and La Bollène-Vésubie in the Arrondissement of Nice. It has been the arena where the best rally drivers in history have demonstrated their skills. Today, an all-electric racecar conquered the famous 'Col' for the first time, 63 years after Jaguar won the famous Monte Carlo Rally in 1956 with the Jaguar Mark VII M.
Mitch and Simon Evans at iconic Col de Turini
Being in the passenger seat was a strange experience for me as I'm usually the one doing the driving. Fortunately I trust my brother Simon and I was really impressed with how well the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY tackled the famous Col de Turini – the brakes are particularly impressive. Turini is steeped in so much motorsport history and I felt we brought it bang up-to-date with the all-electric I-PACE. My focus now turns to raceday and getting a strong result for Jaguar at the Monaco E-Prix.
It was nice to give Mitch a taste of the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY car today and for him to feel what I have been driving this year – he is not the only Evans to have won a race this season! I loved driving the eTROPHY car across the Col. It is one of those motorsport names that is known around the world and I didn't think I would get the opportunity to visit let alone drive with the road closed. Maybe I'll sign up to do the Monte Carlo Rally next year!
Simon Evans
Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY Driver
Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY electrifys legendary Col de Turini
Mitch Evans returns to the ABB FIA Formula E Championship this weekend with the Monaco E-Prix taking place on Saturday 11 May. The Rome E-Prix winner currently sits 7th in the driver standings.
Simon Evans competes in the official support series of Formula E, The Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY also racing in Monaco this Saturday. Each entrant pilots a racing version of the World Car of the Year winning Jaguar I-PACE.
For further information about Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY, please contact:
Imogen Shaw, Media Officer, Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY
Tel: + 44 (0) 7825 024 591
Email: imogen.shaw@jaguarracing.com
Photos are free to use for editorial purposes
The Col de Turini was closed to the public during the drive