Sam Bird – Syndication Server

First taste of 4wd has Bird hopeful Formula E will expand its use

Sam Bird was left hungry for more after sampling Formula E’s new four-wheel-drive system during pre-season testing at at the Spanish circuit of Jarama Four-wheel drive will come into play when the Gen 3 Evo machines’ full 350kw power reserve in …

Sam Bird was left hungry for more after sampling Formula E’s new four-wheel-drive system during pre-season testing at at the Spanish circuit of Jarama

Four-wheel drive will come into play when the Gen 3 Evo machines’ full 350kw power reserve in unlocked in qualifying duels and after Attack Mode activation. After a taste of that extra grunt, the NEOM McLaren driver wishes it was the starting point for Formula E rather than being an alternate strategic factor.

“When you are running a four-wheel drive, the car comes alive. It’s so much fun; it’s really cool,” Bird said. “I’d love it to be permanent. I mean, it’d be nice if 350 all-wheel drive was what you run for the racing, and then if we had 450 or 500 kilowatts for qualifying — that would be crazy.

“It’s the way that you can get off corners, absolutely, It’s gonna be massive.”

As for his own team’s prospects, Bird was confident there is “more time for us to show” after a promising start to pre-season testing for NEOM McLaren. For much of the first three days of running, Bird and teammate Taylor Barnard have featured in the top half of the timesheets as they worked through various development items with their new Nissan-powered GEN3 Evo machines during the four-day test.

“I’m impressed with the work that we’ve been able to do,” Bird told RACER. “Obviously, it’s not all about being the quickest — we’re getting through a program that we designed prior to getting here, and so far, very happy with the work we’ve done.”

Both McLarens – as well as the Maserati MSG Racing cars of former McLaren driver Jake Hughes and Stoffel Vandoorne – spent Wednesday afternoon working on race preparation, opting to forgo the full complement of 350kW as they completed longer runs.

“Everything that we’ve done, we’ve done it for a reason,” Bird said. “Again, I’m happy with the work that we’ve done. I can’t say much more about what we were doing in the race runs, obviously, but we’ve crossed the Ts and dotted the Is on that work. And tomorrow we get to do some different work.”

But while Bird and Barnard have racked up lots of trouble-free miles and the data that comes with it, the overall picture remains unclear, with the teams’ own programs being shrouded in secrecy and Formula E’s new Hankook tires providing another new element to get to grips with on top of the refreshed car.

“It’s too early to say,” said Bird. “I think this is a question that would be better asked after three or four races, not day one and a half pre-season. I don’t know where we’re at compared to competitors, because the tire is so peaky that I don’t know who’s used more tires, who’s done more 350 (kW) laps, who’s had a clear track, who hasn’t.

“There’s more time for us to show — I suppose in that way that we have time in the pocket if we want to. And with regards to efficiency, we don’t know yet, because nobody’s showing their hand with that either.”

Bird is one of Formula E’s most experienced drivers with 128 starts and 12 wins, both putting him third overall on those respective lists, but on the other side of the garage is one of the series’ youngest drivers. After starring in a three-race stint while Bird was sidelined by injury last season, Barnard isn’t a rookie in the truest sense of the word, and Bird’s been impressed with his new teammate.

“He did three brilliant races last year when I had an accident in Monaco. He seamlessly slotted into the team,” Bird said of Barnard. “Everybody here really enjoys working with him, as do I. He’s extremely quick, has a wise head on young shoulders and I’m looking forward to having a season or two alongside Taylor.”

In just under a month, the Formula E season kicks off in Sao Paulo. It was the site of Bird’s most recent win, and McLaren’s first, which gives him confidence for a repeat performance.

“I’ve had some decent results in Brazil, obviously,” he said, recalling his last- corner, last-lap pass on Mitch Evans for the victory last season. “I’ve had a third and a win there, so something similar would be nice.”

McLaren confirms Barnard alongside Bird for Formula E Season 11

McLaren has confirmed that Taylor Barnard will graduate to its Formula E team following the departure of Jake Hughes. Barnard, who has been racing in Formula 2 this year – where he won the Monaco sprint race – alongside his commitments as NEOM …

McLaren has confirmed that Taylor Barnard will graduate to its Formula E team following the departure of Jake Hughes.

Barnard, who has been racing in Formula 2 this year – where he won the Monaco sprint race – alongside his commitments as NEOM McLaren’s reserve and development driver. The 20-year-old deputized for Sam Bird at three races last season after the veteran sustained a hand injury during practice for the Monaco E-Prix. He claimed back-to-back points finishes at the Berlin E-Prix after finishing 14th in his last-minute debut in Monaco.

“I am delighted to be racing for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team in Season 11,” said Barnard. “In Season 10, I was the team’s Reserve and Development Driver and during that time I learnt a lot, putting my new knowledge into practice in Monaco and Berlin.”

Barnard will race alongside Bird in Season 11, the 12-time race winner being confirmed for a second season in papaya.

“I am excited to race alongside Sam this season, and I am sure I will learn a lot from him,” said Barnard. “He is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, and I hope that together we can score plenty of points and collect some trophies for the team.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to continue the journey with the team as full-time Formula E driver, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Bird edged Mitch Evans on the streets of Sao Paulo to give McLaren its first Formula E win. Andrew Ferraro/Motorsport Images

Former Jaguar driver Bird joined McLaren ahead of last season and secured a dramatic first victory for the team at the Sao Paulo E-Prix, sweeping round the outside of his former teammate Mitch Evans at the penultimate corner on the final lap of the race in March.

“I’m very happy to be staying with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team for Season 11,” said Bird. “This team has become like family to me, and I believe that we can achieve even better things together in the upcoming season.

“We’ve done some good work in our first season together; now it’s time to build on that and create even better memories in my second year with the team.”

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NEOM McLaren team principal Ian James said, “I am delighted with our lineup of Taylor and Sam for Season 11, our third in Formula E as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.

“Throughout his time with the team last season in his role of reserve and development driver, Taylor has shown dedication, professionalism and talent both on the track and off it. He relished a rare opportunity to demonstrate his ability at very short notice in Monaco and impressed the entire paddock. His grasp of Formula E was further underscored by strong, points-scoring races in Berlin.

“Joining NEOM McLaren at the start of Season 10, Sam immediately became an integral part of the team,” James said. “He secured McLaren’s first win in electric racing in historic fashion in Sao Paulo and demonstrated constant hunger for success. Going into his second season with us, I have no doubt that he and Taylor will bring the team the results we are aiming for.”

Barnard’s predecessor Hughes was confirmed as part of Maserati MSG’s all-new driver lineup alongside former McLaren Formula 1 driver Stoffel Vandoorne at the end of July.

Sam Bird to return for McLaren in Shanghai

NEOM McLaren has confirmed that Sam Bird will return from injury for this weekend’s Shanghai E-Prix. Bird broke a bone in his left hand in a crash during practice for the Monaco E-Prix and subsequently missed the race in the principality, as well as …

NEOM McLaren has confirmed that Sam Bird will return from injury for this weekend’s Shanghai E-Prix.

Bird broke a bone in his left hand in a crash during practice for the Monaco E-Prix and subsequently missed the race in the principality, as well as the two that followed it in Berlin, being replaced by Taylor Barnard for all three. Bird has since undergone successful surgery three weeks ago, and has spent time in McLaren’s simulator in the last week, as well as remaining a part of the team on the ground to support Barnard.

Bird (center) was on-hand in Berlin to offer support for stand-in Barnard (left). Sam Bagnall/Motorsport Images

“We’re very pleased to have Sam back in the car for the Shanghai E-Prix,” said McLaren team principal Ian James. “Sam has shown an impressive dedication to his recovery and, after a successful operation, he has been able to complete his normal simulator sessions.

“As a result, both Sam and the team are confident he is fighting fit for the race in Shanghai. We are looking forward to seeing Sam back on track.”

Bird has enjoyed something of a resurgence in Formula E this year, tasting victory in the Sao Paulo E-Prix in what was his first since 2021 after two winless seasons with Jaguar, and Mclaren’s first in Formula E at all. But by sitting out three races on the bounce, Bird – a Formula E veteran who’s raced in the category since its inception and has the third-most race entries (122) and third-most race wins (12) – has missed almost as many races this season than the previous nine combined, having only sat out four before this season.

Barnard, who became a Formula E record-breaker in his own right while filling in for Bird by being both the youngest starter and youngest point scorer, took a best finish of eighth in the second Berlin race.

Barnard to fill in for Bird at McLaren for Berlin E-Prix

Taylor Barnard will continue to race for NEOM McLaren at next week’s Berlin E-Prix doubleheader, with Sam Bird still ruled out by injury. Bird crashed at Sainte Devote in the opening practice session for the Monaco E-Prix, with subsequent CT scans …

Taylor Barnard will continue to race for NEOM McLaren at next week’s Berlin E-Prix doubleheader, with Sam Bird still ruled out by injury.

Bird crashed at Sainte Devote in the opening practice session for the Monaco E-Prix, with subsequent CT scans and x-rays confirming a broken bone in his left hand. He has since undergone successful surgery upon his return to the UK, and McLaren says “Sam and the team can now look forward to a speedy recovery and a return to racing soon.”

McLaren reserve Barnard immediately stepped in for Bird in Monaco where he finished 14th after starting from the back of the grid.

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“We’re very pleased to report positive progress on Sam’s recovery, with a successful operation on his hand supporting his journey back into the car,” said McLaren team principal Ian James. “Taylor did a stellar job in his last-minute call-up in Monaco, as did the team, who provided him with great support and guidance throughout. He will now be able to build on that experience, while Sam works on his recovery — with the team’s full support.

“We’re looking forward to having Sam back in the car soon.”

Barnard’s race appearances mean that he is no longer eligible for the rookie test that will follow the Berlin E-Prix.

UPDATE: Hand injury forces Bird out of Monaco E-Prix

UPDATE: McLaren has confirmed that Bird has broken a bone in his left hand and will undergo further treatment upon his return home. “Sam has been undergoing an x-ray and CT scan to help clarify the nature of the injury,” the team said. …

UPDATE: McLaren has confirmed that Bird has broken a bone in his left hand and will undergo further treatment upon his return home.

“Sam has been undergoing an x-ray and CT scan to help clarify the nature of the injury,” the team said. “Unfortunately, scans have confirmed that he has broken one of the bones in his left hand and will require further treatment. Sam’s injury will be treated further upon return home to the UK.

“The team wishes Sam a speedy recovery and will be supporting him and his recovery as best as possible, to ensure he can compete again as quickly as possible.”

***

Sam Bird has withdrawn from the Monaco E-Prix following a crash in first practice.

The NEOM McLaren driver locked up on the approach to Sainte Devote in the final 10 minutes of the session, and made contact with the right-side wall in the run-off area. While it didn’t appear to be a major hit at the time, Bird could be seen checking his left hand after he got out the car.

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Bird was sent to hospital for an X-ray, and that the team’s reserve driver, 19-year-old Taylor Barnard — who was quickest in the rookie practice session at the Misano E-Prix two weeks ago — will be stepping in for the rest of the day.

“The NEOM McLaren Formula E team can confirm that Sam Bird will not be participating for the remainder of the Monaco E-Prix,” said the statement. “Following his on-track incident, there are signs of a potential hand injury, which needs further medical attention. Sam will be going to hospital for an x-ray to help clarify the nature of the injury.

“As a result, and pending approval from the FIA, Taylor Barnard will be stepping in for Sam for the remainder of the event, driving the No. 8 car. The team are already preparing the car ready in time for FP2 following the damage. Further updates will be provided via the team when these become available.”

Bird, a driver in Formula E since the first season a decade ago, has only missed two other races in the series’ history. He didn’t race in the Cape Town E-Prix last year after a crash in qualifying, while technical problems forced him off the grid moments before the second Jakarta E-Prix race last June.

Sao Paulo win is a huge boost, but there’s still work to be done – Bird

Sam Bird heaped praise on NEOM McLaren powertrain partner Nissan after securing the brand’s first victory in Formula E’s GEN3 era in Sao Paulo. The win was also Bird’s first of the current generation of car – which was introduced last year – and …

Sam Bird heaped praise on NEOM McLaren powertrain partner Nissan after securing the brand’s first victory in Formula E’s GEN3 era in Sao Paulo.

The win was also Bird’s first of the current generation of car – which was introduced last year – and McLaren’s maiden one in the category. But while he was quick to point out the hard work McLaren and Nissan have done to bridge the gap to the class-leading Jaguar and Porsche powertrains, he admitted there’s still work to do.

“I feel like we’ve really worked well with [Nissan] and things have come on really well quite quickly. We’re not where we want to be yet but we’re definitely making some progress,” he said. “It is a huge boost, but there’s still work to be done. Jag, Porsche, Andretti, Envision, DS, Maserati, Nissan, there’s so many other brilliant teams that at any given time can be winning or scoring podiums so we need to learn from this, understand why it was really good, understand what we did well, what we did badly, and then try and score some more good points in Tokyo.”

Nissan has often been strong in qualifying trim, but less so in races during the GEN3 era. The race in Brazil featured two safety car periods, but factory driver Oliver Rowland, who also finished on the podium, downplayed their significance for the Japanese manufacturer, saying they “didn’t make much difference to our actual targets,” and, like Bird, highlighted the off-track work both teams have been doing to move forwards. He also fired a warning that Nissan are anticipating a big step forward next season when the hardware homologation cycle reset.

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“Honestly, the team are working super-hard. I think you saw last year that they had potential in a lot of races but never quite capitalized on it,” said Rowland. “I think the team has solidified its place, both McLaren and Nissan work well together and we’re able to put together a package and keep chipping away at the top guys.

“We still know that we have some limitations that we can’t really fix until next year but if we can learn to be perfect this year, when we get hopefully what’s coming next year, we can be in a really strong place.”

For Bird, the Sao Paulo E-Prix was a huge personal weight off his shoulders. Winless in the last two seasons for the first time, his victory in Brazil ended the drought and brought him within one victory of Sebastien Buemi and Lucas di Grassi’s all-time Formula E wins record of 13.

“I think this one is one of the more special because of what I’ve had to go through to get back [to winning], so yeah, this one definitely feels very special,” he said. “Also the fact that it’s the first one for NEOM McLaren.

“We had some goals at the beginning of the year about scoring some podiums. I would be lying to you saying that I thought that we could definitely win a race this early. It would have been a dream, but I didn’t imagine that, but we’ve managed it. That doesn’t mean to say that we’ve made it and we need to rest, there’s still a lot of work to do, but to score our first win feels very special.”

Bird quickest in disrupted second Sao Paulo Formula E practice

NEOM McLaren’s Sam Bird was quickest in an abbreviated second practice for the Sao Paulo E-Prix. Bird’s best time of 1m12.773 was 0.099s quicker than DS Penske’s Stoffel Vandoorne, with Nissan’s Oliver Rowland a further 0.065s back. Andretti’s Jake …

NEOM McLaren’s Sam Bird was quickest in an abbreviated second practice for the Sao Paulo E-Prix.

Bird’s best time of 1m12.773 was 0.099s quicker than DS Penske’s Stoffel Vandoorne, with Nissan’s Oliver Rowland a further 0.065s back. Andretti’s Jake Dennis was fourth, 0.006 adrift of Rowland, with TAG Heuer Porsche driver Pascal Wehrlein completing a top five that was covered by only 0.228s.

Wehrlein’s teammate Antonio Felix da Costa made it three Porsche-powered cars in the top six, with Nyck de Vries showing strongly for Mahindra Racing in seventh. It wasn’t all good for the Indian team, however, with Edoardo Mortara failing to complete the session.

He stopped at the exit of Turn 3 after missing the preceding chicane, but lost all drive after performing a power cycle, necessitating a red flag.

Sergio Sette Camara (ERT), Norman Nato (Andretti), and Jehan Daruvala (Maserati MSG) completed the top 10, with Sacha Fenestraz in the second Nissan heading a Jaguar-powered trio of Nick Cassidy, Robin Frijns, and Sebastien Buemi on the fringes of the top 10.

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Practice 1 pacesetter Mitch Evans was a notable absentee from that group, returning to the pits with a driveshaft issue on his out lap at the start of the session. The Jaguar TCS Racing team did manage to get the car repaired before the session time ran out, but the red flag was lifted with less than a minute to go, so final flying laps – or in Evans’ case, a first flying lap – couldn’t be completed, but drivers were able to go through things like procedural checks and crucial practice starts.

Maserati’s Maximilian Gunther was another whose day started with problems. A gearbox change for him ahead of the session means he will start the race later on Saturday with a 20-place grid penalty.

He finished the second practice session 15th, ahead of Nico Mueller, the stricken Mortara, Mueller’s Abt Cupra teammate Lucas Di Grassi, McLaren’s Jake Hughes, DS Penske’s Jean-Eric Vergne and ERT’s Dan Ticktum.

RESULTS

McLaren confirms Bird Formula E signing

NEOM McLaren has confirmed that Sam Bird will replace Rene Rast at the team for its second Formula E season. Bird joins Jake Hughes in an all-British lineup for the team which debuted in the 2022-23 season after taking over the back-to-back …

NEOM McLaren has confirmed that Sam Bird will replace Rene Rast at the team for its second Formula E season.

Bird joins Jake Hughes in an all-British lineup for the team which debuted in the 2022-23 season after taking over the back-to-back championship-winning Mercedes entry. The move comes after Bird’s departure from Jaguar TCS Racing, his seat there being taken by Nick Cassidy.

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“I’m super excited to get going with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. Becoming part of a team with so much heritage and prestige as the McLaren Racing family feels special,” said Bird. “We know there is some work to do ahead of Season 10, to ensure we get to where we want to be, which is at the front of the Formula E pack.

“It feels great to be part of the team and I can’t wait to kick off the season preparations. I’m super motivated and driven to deliver success with the team in Season 10.”

Bird’s resume boasts a second-placed finish in the 2013 GP2 season,an FIA World Endurance Championship title in the LMP2 class with G-Drive Racing in 2015, and a runner-up finish in the GTE class with Ferrari a year later, as well as stints as a test driver for the Williams and Mercedes Formula 1 teams.

Bird (left) will take the seat vacated by Rene Rast (right). Alastair Staley/Motorsport Images

But it’s in Formula E where Bird has spent the majority of his top-level career. He has competed in every season of Formula E, and sits joint second on the series’ all-time entry list with 114 races entered, just two behind Lucas di Grassi. In that time he’s notched up 11 race victories (third overall) and had a best championship finish of third in the 2017-18 campaign.

He made his category debut with Virgin Racing, remaining with the team for six seasons as it morphed into DS Virgin and eventually Envision Racing. He moved to Jaguar for 2020, where he remained until the 2022-23 season finale.

It’s that experience that Ian James, managing director of NEOM McLaren Electric Racing and team principal, NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, believes will help propel the team forward.

“It’s great to be able to share the news that Sam will be joining the team for Season 10, alongside Jake,” he said. “Sam is a proven force in Formula E, as well as other categories of racing, and his experience and determination will fuel the team ahead of an exciting season to come.

“As soon as the deal was done, his first question to me was when he could come into the office to start the preparations for Season 10 – this clearly shows his hunger and commitment to making Season 10 a success for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.

“Having both Sam and Jake on board has already instilled confidence in the team.”

Mclaren Racing CEO Zak Brown added: ““It is a pleasure to welcome Sam to the McLaren Racing family. Throughout his time in Formula E, Sam has proven himself to be an impressive talent, and we are eager to leverage his experience and expertise to help bring the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team further success in Season 10.

“Alongside Jake, I’m confident that we have one of the strongest pairings on the Formula E grid. Bring on Season 10!”

Formula E runner-up Cassidy joins Jaguar

Nick Cassidy has joined Jaguar TCS Racing for the 2023-24 Formula E season, replacing Sam Bird who raced for the team for the last three seasons. The move comes after Cassidy finished second in the 2022-23 season with four race victories driving for …

Nick Cassidy has joined Jaguar TCS Racing for the 2023-24 Formula E season, replacing Sam Bird who raced for the team for the last three seasons.

The move comes after Cassidy finished second in the 2022-23 season with four race victories driving for Envision Racing – a Jaguar customer operation which took the Teams’ championship.

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“I’m very excited to be joining the Jaguar TCS Racing team for the 2024 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and I am looking forward to racing for a team like Jaguar that has such a successful motorsport history,” said Cassidy. “This season has been my most successful to date, so I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 and fight for points, podiums and wins.”

Cassidy will line up alongside compatriot Mitch Evans, who was also a 2022-23 title contender and matched Cassidy’s season-high wins tally.

“Looking forward to having Mitch as a teammate, we have known each other since we were kids and have raced against each other for years, so I’m proud that we will be racing together and hope to continue to put New Zealand on the map in motorsport.”

Jaguar team principal James Barclay hailed the signing of the 2017 Super GT and 2019 Super Formula champion, and declared his team’s new all-Kiwi lineup as “one of the strongest driver line-ups on the grid”.

Cassidy and Evans will be teammates from next season. Alastair Staley/Motorsport Images

“We are thrilled to announce that Nick Cassidy has joined Jaguar TCS Racing,” he said. “Nick’s track record speaks for itself and is someone we have always had our eye on back to his time racing in Japan.

“Since joining Formula E he has gone from strength to strength and his 2023 season was very impressive. Nick was highly motivated to join the team and we are proud to welcome him into the Jaguar family.

“We head into the new season with one of the strongest driver line-ups on the grid and paired with the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 and our talented team we will be looking to once again challenge for both the Drivers and Teams World Championship titles.”

Cassidy’s signing follows news that Evans recently signed a new “multi-year” contract with Jaguar, continuing a relationship that began in 2016, making it the longest driver and team pairing in Formula E history.

“Having been with Jaguar TCS Racing since 2016, it was the natural choice to continue our successful partnership,” he said. “We’ve had some incredible moments over the last seven years and I’m looking forward to writing our next chapter together. I am proud to race for Jaguar and play my part with the team in JLR’s Reimagine strategy.”

After his exit from Jaguar, Bird is expected to join NEOM McLaren for the 2023-24 season.

Jaguar goes one-two in Berlin E-Prix with Maserati third

Mitch Evans and Sam Bird executed a perfect strategy in the opening race of the 2023 SABIC Berlin E-Prix double-header to secure a show-stopping one-two for team Jaguar TCS Racing. Maximillian Gunther in third put the iconic Maserati trident on the podium for the first time since returning to single-seater motorsport this season following a hiatus of more than 60 years.

In a deeply strategic yet fiercely competitive race, the capacity crowd filling the grandstands of the Tempelhof Airport Circuit witnessed 190 overtakes, 53 lead changes and eight different leaders taking charge – all breaking previous Formula E records.

Tensions were high in Berlin 🤬😳@SABIC #BerlinEPrix pic.twitter.com/sWlJ2pzqw9

— ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) April 22, 2023

Round seven of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship was already marked down in record books before the race began – Pascal Wehrlein and his TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E team both leading the points standings going into their home race in Germany.

The race was also the European debut of the GEN3 – the world’s fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient electric race car – and the cutting-edge EV lived up to its potential as the first formula car specifically designed for wheel-to-wheel racing on high-speed street circuits.

Throughout the 43 laps, a record number of drivers took charge of the race as the teams’ strategies emerged, with an early surge of front-runners electing to take ATTACK MODE early on and those further back running for longer.

Dan Ticktum (NIO 333 Racing) launched into the lead in stunning style with a move around the outside of Turn 1, right by Julius Baer Polesitter Sebastien Buemi (Envision Racing), Sam Bird (Jaguar TCS Racing) and Stoffel Vandoorne (DS PENSKE).

After the lead group jumped for their second 50kW boosts, the racing settled for just three laps before Edoardo Mortara (Maserati MSG Racing) and Vandoorne pushed to the front. Glancing at the timing screens yielded a different race leader at almost every stage as positions changed almost continuously. The first of two spells under the safety car compounded things further with the field split by just over 5s going into the second half of the race.

Quick-starting Ticktum had been shuffled into the top 10 until he and Vandoorne came into heavy contact, deploying the safety car for the second time. The Jaguar pair and Buemi then fought to fill out the top three spots after Gunther had briefly taken P1 as the race headed into its closing stages. The Jaguar-powered cars went on to assert their new-found dominance and pace, with Gunther looking to pick up the pieces as the front three challenged for the race lead.

Evans managed to edge second-placed Bird on the exit of the hairpin with a good run down the start/finish straight to make a lunge into Turn 1 stick for the lead on Buemi as the race headed into three added laps. The Kiwi was able to get the jump and pull away, extending a 0.750s lead with two full laps remaining as Bird hassled Buemi for second just behind in the sprint to the finish.

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Bird’s incessant efforts paid off as he took the gamble to brake late in the approach to the Airplane turn and squeeze by Buemi for the second spot, sealing Jaguar TCS Racing’s first one-two in Formula E.

Gunther then broke the Jaguar-power stranglehold as he fired up the inside of Buemi at the final turn to prevent a second consecutive 1-2-3 for the I-TYPE 6. The Maserati MSG Racing’s podium is the first under the Italian marque and builds nicely for the Monegasque/Italian team following an unexpectedly disappointing start to the season as they head to their two “home” races in Monaco on May 6 and the Rome doubleheader on July 15-16.

“The last race was special having us both on the podium and also with Nick, all Jaguar powertrains on the podium,” Evans said after the race. “At this one, it’s extra special because it’s a one-two for the team and a really hard race to manage. It got a bit chaotic out there. I wasn’t expecting a victory in this place. This place has haunted me for many years. So super happy to get a second win, but here it was unexpected. It’s full credit to everyone. Sam drove really well. He’s been quick all day. I was surprised to get in the front bunch so early. There was a lot of games being played out there and it was hard to manage but we got it done.”

Standings leader Pascal Wehrlein started all the way down in 15th and made up huge ground before slipping to ninth late on. Out of sight, the German driver made up good ground on that final lap to finish sixth with nine places and strong points gained, nullifying Nick Cassidy’s comparatively quiet and collected run to fifth position for Envision Racing. Jean-Éric Vergne (DS PENSKE) recovered from contact early-race to seventh spot, again, another important if unsung drive in the battle for points.

Wehrlein heads into round eight tomorrow in Berlin with a standings lead and 94 points. Cassidy is second with Vergne doing enough to retain third position. TAG Heuer Porsche’s early season dominance however is coming under severe and increasing pressure from the Jaguar-powered cars.