Kamal Ghorui
Nick Cassidy secured the maiden pole for the new Formula E team, Citroen Racing, during qualifying at the Madrid E-Prix last weekend. However, the Kiwi driver was unable to capitalise on it in the Round 6 race, where he made contact with Nissan’s Norman Nato and ended up damaging his front wheel. Despite the setback, it does not take away from the achievement of becoming the first Formula E driver to take pole position for the new team.
Nick Cassidy has achieved a lot with Citroen Racing in just six races
Nick Cassidy could not convert his qualifying success into a points finish in the Madrid E-Prix final, but he acknowledged that he has already achieved a great deal with the team.Reacting to his maiden pole with Citroen Racing, Cassidy said, “Yeah (speaking about Citroën’s first pole position), it was cool. It was pretty good. A win, a podium, a pole – if you’d told me that before the season, I’d have been quite happy with that. So, to have achieved them all in six races is pretty cool.”However, the driver could not turn it into a strong race result and finished towards the back of the field. Speaking about the incident, he told FormulaE.com, “In the race, I actually touched with Norman (Nato) on the last lap. Probably mostly my fault, and I damaged the car, so I finished with a broken front wheel. It’s a good track here. It was good fun.”Citroen Racing shared a video of behind-the-scenes celebrations in the paddock as Cassidy secured the team’s first pole position. The video also featured Cassidy’s girlfriend, Nathalia Soliani.The team wrote alongside the video: “A lap to remember. There are moments in a season that shift the feeling of everything. In Madrid, Citroën Racing secured its first-ever pole position – a lap of intent, executed when it mattered most. Here’s a look back at the run that placed us at the front of the grid and marked a new chapter for the team.”Reacting to the post, a fan wrote: “Absolutely incredible from Nick & congratulations team! The most amazing feeling! Hopefully more to come!” Another commented: “Absolute master-Cass!”Cassidy went head-to-head with his namesake, Nyck de Vries of Mahindra Racing, in the duels final during qualifying. However, it was Cassidy who claimed pole, while de Vries joined him on the front row in second place.Also read: Mitch Evans on keeping Dan Ticktum at bay at Madrid E-Prix: “I was very frustrated in the car”
