'I've been frustrated' - Nick Cassidy opens up after major Jaguar Formula E 'turning point'

Nick Cassidy revealed that both himself and Jaguar have "been frustrated" by its current troubles in Formula E, but that his Monaco rostrum is a much-needed "turning point". 

Having been involved in the title fight the last two seasons, Season 11 has been a wake-up call for Cassidy, with Jaguar's Gen3 Evo package having underdelivered. 

The reigning champion's have found themselves stuck in the midfield, whilst Cassidy has suffered an unimaginable run of bad luck. 

Cassidy's brilliant podium in the second race of the Monaco E-Prix double-header was his first since the first race in Shanghai last year, almost a year ago. It was met with an eruption of celebrations by the team.

His and the Big Cat's emotions were the complete opposite after he finished 18th in the first race, in what was a position the outfit had started to become accustomed to. 

However, a breakthrough in the package was finally made on Sunday morning in third practice, a moment which initially improved Cassidy's confidence.

"Honestly, I thought after FP3, I thought, okay, today, we're going to fight, and we're going to be strong," Cassidy told RacingNews365. 

"My car felt really good in the first race, but we've just had some sessions or some runs with this car, and in season 11, where we've been really far off. And so it's very hit and miss. 

"I can't really explain why, but we're kind of building more and more data around that. And so after FP3, I thought, okay, we're going to be in the window. 

"Obviously, starting 14th made it more difficult. But then, early laps of the race, I realised, okay, I'm quite strong."

Jaguar's fight begins

Finishing on the podium was a boost Cassidy and the Coventry-based outfit desperately needed, having been 18th in the drivers' championship ahead of the race. 

That is not, at all, a true reflection of Cassidy's talent, with the New Zealander often being referred to as one of FE's fastest drivers. 

The past 12 months has tested Cassidy both mentally and emotionally, following the heartbreak of losing the Season 10 title. 

Finally, though, a corner has been turned, with the 30-year-old having expressed the importance of his Monaco podium.

"For me personally and my team, yes," said Cassidy, when asked if it felt like a turning point. "Because, everyone's been frustrated.

"I've been frustrated, they've been frustrated, but not at each other, just at the situation. We think that we are much better than 18th in this championship.

"We feel like we are. We deserve to be fighting for the championship, and when we're 18th in the championship, we're all frustrated. So this is a big turning point."