Bird to race in New York ePrix
DS Virgin’s Sam Bird will compete in the New York ePrix, but team-mate Jose Maria Lopez will miss the double header to compete in the 6 Hours of Nurburgring.
Both drivers have Formula E and World Endurance Championship commitments, causing problems when the Nurburgring WEC race was moved to the same weekend as the New York double header.
Bird has now confirmed he will prioritise his FE commitments.
“With the first ever FIA sanctioned motorsport event to be held in New York, Formula E is continuing to push the boundaries and break new ground, and it’s exciting to be part of that,” he said. “I know we’ll put on a great show for the people of New York and I’m expecting big crowds to turn up on both days. Being a double race event, there’s a huge amount at stake for all the teams and the drivers so it’s definitely one to watch.”
“Sam has contested every one of the team’s 29 race starts so of course we are delighted to have him in New York and maintain that consistency for the team,” said DS Virgin’s team principal, Alex Tai.
“As for Sam’s team-mate, Jose Maria Lopez is unfortunately unable to compete in New York due to a clash. As such, the team is still assessing options, with one of those being our official reserve driver Alex Lynn, and we will be making an official announcement in coming days.”
The confirmation Lopez will miss the New York double header suggests fellow Toyota racer Sebastien Buemi will also be forced to miss the event.
Buemi is yet to announce where he’ll be racing on the 15th and 16th of July. It’s understood Renault e.dams are talking to Toyota to try to ensure he can race in New York.
Pierre Gasly is expected to replace the championship leader if he does have to miss the FE event.