Tokyo, Sunday, 18 May

Hear from NEOM McLaren Formula E Team drivers Taylor Barnard and Sam Bird, and Team Principal Ian James after Sunday's Tokyo E-Prix.

“We’ve completed Rounds 8 and 9 of the season here in Tokyo. Looking at this weekend as a whole, we will be leaving Tokyo with a podium [scored yesterday], and five points for Sam [scored today], which is good. However, I’m a bit disappointed to miss out on a potential podium today. The team deserve one after a couple of challenging races. We’ve had the pace and we’ve been able to put everything together this weekend so it’s unfortunate to not come away with more. Our full focus is on Shanghai now in a few weeks’ time.” 

“We’ve just finished Race 2 here in Tokyo and I’ve come away with points and the fastest lap of the race. It’s a small points score for the team. This isn’t what we wanted from today or expected from today.  

“I would’ve ideally liked a little bit more and I think we could’ve got more from today’s race, but we’ll take what we can and move on to Shanghai.”  

“The emotion in the garage at the end of the race has been a reflection of the passion within this team for what we do. The pain of losing out on the podium position today has been palpable, and I wouldn’t expect anything less. I am immensely proud of the approach this team has taken throughout this race. Sam is back in the points after driving a strong race throughout. Taylor’s drive was deserving of so much more. However, we leave Tokyo with our heads held high and head to Shanghai full of determination.”