Choosing the star driver at the Buenos Aires ePrix was a difficult decision between two particular drivers, but it has to go to DS Virgin Racing’s Sam Bird for his brilliant performance throughout the whole day.
It was apparent from the first practice session that the Brit would be one of the drivers to look out for in the first race of 2016. Bird topped the opening practice session, and found himself fourth during second practice behind the likes of Sebastien Buemi, Lucas di Grassi, and Nico Prost.
Going out in the first qualifying group, Bird set a slightly slower time than Venturi’s Stephane Sarrazin. This was enough to get him into the Super Pole group however, and an aggressive lap of the Buenos Aires track was enough for his first Formula E pole position.
An honourable mention needs to go to Renault’s Sebastien Buemi, who after a disastrous qualifying had to start at the back of the grid for the race. It didn’t take long for him to pass the cars in front, and he was up in the points by the time they were ready to pit. Luck was on his side, and the Swiss driver brought the fight to Bird during the final few laps of the race.
Sam Bird started from first, and never left the position during the race. He kept his cool, even during the later stages of the race when he was being challenged by Lucas di Grassi, and then by the championship leader Buemi. Bird is only the second driver to lead for the entirety of the race, and gave the DS Virgin Racing team their first win in Formula E.
