Madrid was the first chance to get to know the new Gen3 car for the drivers on the Formula E grid. As the first round of the season gets closer and closer, both NEOM McLaren drivers looked back at their three days of FE testing. The driver duo focused on the positives found in Madrid ahead of the new championship, surprisingly starting on the 7th of December in Brazil.
Taylor Barnard
The 19-years old joined McLaren as a replacement for Jake Hughes, who hence moved to Maserati. The Brit formerly in papaya has instead moved to Maserati. The former Formula 2 driver had made his electric debut in the past season at Monaco following Sam Bird’s hand injury and following surgery. He had also taken part in the Berlin rookie test.
This time round, however, he’s in for the whole deal. It was a rather positive first official McLaren test for Barnard, who set the best rookie time on Tuesday, outscoring his much more experienced teammate:
“We have had a great three full days testing, and I feel it was a very positive test for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. I’ve set some strong laptimes today and Sam’s pace has been very strong throughout the test.” He said, thankful for his reliable challenger.
A change of plans for McLaren FE Testing
The young talent also paid his respects to Valencia, the original host of the Formula E tests. Barnard stated his support to the region severely affected by the flood as well.
“We have completed all the items we needed to test with no reliability issues, which is very positive. I’m very happy we were able to go testing this week in Madrid, following the terrible tragedy in Valencia. Our deepest sympathies go out to those affected by this awful disaster.”
“Now, I’m ready to go racing. I’m happy with the settings on the car and the team environment – bring on São Paulo.” Barnard concluded, excited about the inaugural round of the season.
Sam Bird
First ever McLaren winner in Formula E Sam Bird will be behind the wheel of a papaya car for a second season. The former Jaguar driver was undeniably positive about the amount of work carried out over the three days. The great number of laps he put in day by day was another highlight, in spite of not setting extremely fast lap times, :
“I am very pleased with the work we have done in Madrid. We have finished our programme with no major issues, which is a great confidence boost for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. My thoughts and prayers go out the people affected by the tragedy in Valencia. I am very grateful for the work the whole Formula E paddock has put in to enable us to go testing at Jarama this week.“
“Going into the first race in São Paulo, I feel excited and optimistic about the season ahead. I’m looking forward to getting out there in a month’s time.” He concluded, excited to return at the track where he had won in the past season.
