Motorsport: Kiwi Mitch Evans climbs Formula E driver standings after strong Rome E-Prix

Kiwi driver Mitch Evans has moved into second place in the Formula E standings, after a solid round of racing at the Rome E-Prix.

The 26-year-old backed up his third placing in the opening race with sixth in the second to advance into second in the overall driver standings. He's now just four points behind Jaguar teammate Sam Bird, with 39 points.

In an historic first for Jaguar, both Bird and Evans earned podium finishes in the first race in the Italian capital.

"It was such a great moment for the team, with our first double podium in Formula E," Evans said.

"It was a great race in very difficult conditions, where things can go wrong really quickly, but I'm happy to reward the team with this result, after all the hard work they put in. 

"Sam did a great job too. We both moved forward in the pack together and executed a brilliant race. 

"It was a great moment and milestone for the team."

In the second race, Evans worked his way from 12th on the grid to position for a late charge, until a safety car reduced the race to a one-lap sprint.

"The last few laps were going to be spicy," Evans said. "But from 12th on the grid to sixth is great for the team and to score these points is really strong."

Fellow Kiwi Nick Cassidy's strong showing in qualifying turned to heartbreak, as he crashed out of contention early, after starting in pole position.

Cassidy edged fellow rookie Noman Nato for a spot at the front of the grid, but locked his rear tyres and spun out just a few turns into the race.

In some consolation, that pole position gave Cassidy his first points of the season, taking him to 21st in the rankings.

The drivers now head to Spain for the Valencia E-Prix, which starts April 24

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