Formula E championship leader Nick Cassidy on the unique challenge of Jakarta

Mastering the streets of Monaco in the Gen 3 Formula E car

After a strong run of performances with four podiums, including a win, Nick was able to bring another storming performance in the Monaco E-Prix and added another win to his tally for the Envision Racing team. Monaco is its own unique spectacle, but it was also a new challenge for the drivers this year with the introduction of the Gen3 car, an added variable that Nick took in his stride.

“It's just a different feeling with the Gen3 car, and how it behaves. But Monaco for us is one of the higher group circuits. So, it's quite nice to drive the car there. The car feels quite good there. So, it was a pleasure to drive, to be honest.”

Yet another podium shared with Mitch Evans

Between them, the New Zealand duo of Nick and Jaguar’s Mitch Evans have taken four wins from the past four races, sharing the top two places on the podium on two occasions. They are best friends off the track, but they are still highly competitive when it comes down to business in the car. On this occasion in Monaco, Nick was able to hold off his compatriot to claim his second win of the season and take the lead in the championship. Getting to share the podium and battle with fellow his countryman is something Nick enjoys.

“It's really amazing. I think both of us are really proud to have had results like this now. It's really cool. He got me in Sao Paulo [round six], so it's nice to get one back. Now we're equal again.

“Before my first attack mode, I thought I was then in a very good position to win. But after the first attack mode, I lost more positions than I was expecting.

“Then when Mitch passed me for the first time, I knew that I would have to do something a little bit special or different. I was down on energy and behind him, so I would have to do something, let's say special to win. Once I was leading, I felt like good.”

Expectations for the double-header at the Jakarta E-Prix

“I'm expecting a little bit of unknown in Jakarta, many teams can be strong there. We should have a good car, we should be competitive, so if we can be okay in Jakarta, get some good points, I think going into Rome we should have a good chance.

“We need to think of two parts of the preparation. Obviously, ourselves as personnel and then the car. Tyres and batteries are going to be a huge focus. And last year during the race I've never sweat so much in my life driving a racing car. It was seriously hard, so we try to prepare for that. Being a doubleheader, day two is going to be tough, but we'll do our best.

“A big thing is the surface. Last year it was quite a new surface, quite dark, the track temperature was very high. The grip level was very good, but I don't know how it's changed with quite extreme weather. It'll be interesting to see the difference in surface now 12 months later. The challenge for Jakarta is the preparation for the different conditions that we're going to have. The track layout is quite normal, nice layout and fun to drive. But if that was located somewhere else in the world, it would be very different.

“In terms of myself I want to focus on qualifying. I want to qualify better, and that's going to pay dividends later in the season. I don't think that Berlin qualifying was bad, it was quite okay. But in Monaco, I miss something to be fighting for the pole, so we need to try and improve qualifying.”

Nick might well be keeping his cards close to his chest at this point, but the unpredictability of the next rounds in Jakarta is bound to make for a tough couple of rounds. With the dynamic and ever-changing weather conditions and rising air and track temperatures, the next two races of the Formula E season will set new challenges for the championship leader. A test of not only the drivers, but the teams and their ability to adapt their strategy for the weekend.

Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.