Two Kiwi brothers teamed up to celebrate Jaguar’s dominant performance at the 1956 Monte Carlo Rally by hurtling up a famous stretch of road in a racing version of the marque’s all-electric I-PACE.
While Mitch Evans has been in the media recently after recording his first win in the Formula E Series, it was brother Simon who was behind the wheel for the assault on Col de Turini, which is touted as one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Located 1607m above sea level in the Maritime Alps, the Monte Carlo Rally often utilises its sheer drops and serpentine twists and turns to test drivers’ skill.
‘‘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,’’ Simon said, of his eTrophy victory in December last year.
He loved the opportunity to drive the challenging stretch of road.
‘‘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 joked.
Mitch said being in the passenger seat was ‘‘a strange experience’’ although ‘‘fortunately I trust my brother Simon’’.
A video of the Evans brothers’ drive up Col de Turini is available to view on YouTube.
- by Catherine Pattison
Photo: Supplied
