Berlin, Saturday, 12 July

Hear from NEOM McLaren Formula E Team drivers Taylor Barnard and Sam Bird, and Team Principal Ian James after the first Berlin E-Prix.

Free Practice 2		N/A
Qualifying	1:12.435	10th
Race		4th

“First race here in Berlin finished. A P4 result in today’s wet conditions was a lot better than what we were expecting. The team did a great job with the strategy, especially the timing of the second Attack Mode activation. 

“Coming home in P4, given the conditions and where we started in the race, I think everyone’s done a great job and we’ve got some big points in the bag. I can’t wait for tomorrow!” 

Free Practice 2		N/A
Qualifying	1:13.220	15th
Race		P11

“We’ve just finished the first race of the weekend here in Berlin. It was clearly a disappointing day for me, coming home P11. We experienced some difficulties during the Pit Boost stop which cost us a lot today, as I think we had the pace and performance to finish in the points.  

“Tomorrow is a new day and I’m looking forward to another opportunity to challenge for the points and help the team in the championship standings.” 

“Inclement weather has been a feature throughout this season and today in Berlin was certainly no exception; from a cancelled FP2 to a qualifying session which was devoid of the usual duels, the run-up to the race was anything but normal. Even on the grid, before the start, the drying track meant that the correct set-up for the race wasn’t an easy call to make. 

“This is where adaptability and a cool head come into play. Both drivers, along with the team behind them, took advantage of every opportunity to move up the order. Unfortunately for Sam, an issue with the pit boost charger cost him a points-paying position. For Taylor, strong pace and some well-executed moves resulted in P4 and important points for him and the team. 

“It remains close in both the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships and we will give it everything tomorrow in Berlin, to set ourselves up for the Grand Finale in London.”