Racing editions
IN AUGUST, Jaguar Racing driver, Mitch Evans, finished a tremendous second in the 2021/2022 FIA Formula E World Championship. This is the best result for a Jaguar driver in an international series since Teo Fabi won the 1991 World Sports
Car Championship. Yet when Jaguar was looking for inspiration for its limited edition F-Pace SVR earlier this year, the company’s marketing department choose its sixth victory of the Le Mans 24 Hours resulting in the Edition 1988 (pictured above).
I understand coming second is seen as ‘first loser’ but considering Jaguar’s current range has nothing in common with that 1988 winner yet it already has an electric car, a limited edition I-Pace honouring Evans’ four victories this season would have more meaning than a single win from 34 years ago. Yet I reckon I know why Jaguar chose 1988 over 2022 for its special F-Pace and that’s the recognition the latter still has.
Despite 2023 being its ninth season, Formula E has never caught the imagination of motorsport enthusiasts compared to more established series. Although the one and only race I’ve seen in person (Paris in 2017) was enjoyable with surprisingly hard wheel-to-wheel action, in my opinion the almost silent cars can’t compete with the noise and spectacle of a 24-hour endurance race.
And I know I’m not the only one to think this. At this year’s Le Mans in June, the race organiser, Automobile Club de l’Ouest, demonstrated a hydrogen powered prototype that did not go down well with the crowds. When the car whistled its way quietly around the track there were discernible boos and jeers from the grandstands. Meanwhile, the actual XJR-9 that won the 1988 race received more attention on Jaguar’s stand throughout the weekend than Paul Hollywood would at a croissant convention.
I KNOW WHY JAGUAR CHOSE 1988 OVER 2022 FOR ITS SPECIAL F-PACE AND THAT’S
