Monaco Circuit, Saturday, 3 May

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

Free Practice 2	1m27.294s	10th
Qualifying	1m30.117s	1st
Race		16th

“A difficult race, but obviously it was a great day still with a Pole Position in qualifying and three points added to our championship tally. The situation in the race was unfortunate, as we were looking very good for a podium again.  

“A big thanks to the team for the car today, we’ve had a strong car so far this weekend, so we’ll go away and review tonight and try and do our best tomorrow to score some good points.” 

Free Practice 2	1m27.964s	18th
Qualifying	1m29.073s	12th
Race		11th

“I’ve just finished the race, and it was a challenging one, coming home in P11. I’m not particularly happy with the way the race panned out in the end. I think the team gave me a great car, and it’s a shame that I couldn’t execute a better qualifying, as I know we ultimately had the pace.  

 

“Tomorrow is a new day. We know we’ve got a fast car, and we know we’re great on efficiency, which is going to be important in the race tomorrow, so I’m looking forward to executing a much better day on Sunday.” 

“It’s great to be in Monaco for one of the staples of the Formula E calendar. This season we will have the privilege to not just compete in one, but two races around the iconic street circuit of Monte Carlo. 

“Monaco’s first race day has been very much a tale of two halves for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. Steady improvement throughout the morning, a stunning Pole Position, but without points in the race.  

“Taylor’s Pole Position – his second of the season so far – is testament to not only his incredible talent and raw pace, but also the capabilities of the team. Together, they were able to steadily improve the performance and get the car into a place where it was able to fight for, and ultimately clinch, Pole. 

“The start of the race was promising for both drivers. In particular Taylor, who was in the lead for most of the earlier part of the race, a podium was very much on the cards. It’s therefore a real gut-punch that he fell victim of a collision with another car – of which he was totally blameless. Sam’s race didn’t yield any points either, with him finishing just outside in P11.  

“We can’t be anything other than greatly frustrated with the outcome of today’s race. As a team we are capable of so much more. Fortunately, this season’s Monaco E-Prix provides us with another race day, which will give us a further opportunity to capitalise on a strong package. We’re on the hunt for redemption!”