As the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship rolls into Mexico City, Jaguar TCS Racing's Sam Bird reveals he has utmost confidence in his car ahead of Round 3. Currently sitting sixth in the standings, Jaguar will be looking to work its way up to the top three after Mexico. Will this be Bird's first win of Season 8 or will Evans strike again after winning here two years ago?
"Jaguar TCS Racing have given me and my teammate, Mitch Evans, a car that's capable of being on the podium or better, at every single race weekend this year," says Bird confidently ahead of Formula E's return to the Mexican capital after a two-year hiatus.
WAYS TO WATCH: Where and how to watch every minute of Season 8
"Consistency is key in this championship. I was disappointed with day two in Diriyah but it's still very early days in the Championship. We have a little bit of ground to make up but it's not the end of the world yet. A good weekend here will be nicely received but we'll see what happens."
For Jaguar, Mexico City will bring back fond memories after its frontman Mitch Evans clinched a commanding win here in 2020. As for Bird, his last time out in Mexico City saw him fail to finish despite challenging for the lead.
"I had some good speed last time we were here - unfortunately it ended with no points but I was running in second for most of the race but I think we have a very good car here. Mitch won here last time, so fingers crossed we can have a great team weekend."
SEASON 8 is here! All the teams and drivers set to compete in 2021/22
Now Mexico City and the challenge of the notorious inner-city Circuit Hermanos Rodriguez arrive early in the calendar. After the opening two rounds in Diriyah there's still everything to play for as the competition hots up going into Round 3. Currently, Jaguar are placed sixth in the Teams' standings - 45 points behind leaders ROKiT Venturi - but a strong car behind Bird and Evans could see the British team jump up the rankings after Mexico.
While much of that will be dependent on the Mercedes-EQ-powered cars dominance coming to an end but still, Bird's faith in his car around the Mexico City circuit remains.
"You need to have a car that's compliant at both low and high speed and that's kind on the tyres, because this track gives a beating to loaded tyres. It's bumpy in the middle section and great in the stadium. Ultimately, you need to Qualify in the top five in order to win this race."
READ MORE: Mexico City's best moments
With the team heading to Mexico just days after it signed its first customer team - Envision Racing - for the Gen3 era, the British racing outfit is on a solid footing heading into Round 3. With it's rich mix of fast corners and slower, technical sections like the Foro Sol, both Evans and Bird will need to pull together a faultless race day to be in with a chance of challenging Venturi and Mercedes-EQ early on in the Championship.
"The stadium section really sets this track apart from the others," says Bird. "You get a great vibe from the fans and it's nice to see so many people having a good time while you're driving."