Sam Bird raced to a comfortable victory Sunday during the second race of the New York City E-Prix. (Simon Galloway / LAT Images Photo)
Sam Bird raced to a comfortable victory Sunday during the second race of the New York City E-Prix. (Simon Galloway / LAT Images Photo)

Bird Soars To New York City E-Prix Victory

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Sam Bird soared to a dominant victory during the second race of the FIA Formula E New York City E-Prix Sunday afternoon on the Brooklyn Street Circuit.

Jaguar Racing’s Bird started from the pole and dominated the race, beating Nick Cassidy to the checkered flag by more than four seconds Sunday. The victory follows a frustrating race for Bird Saturday that led the Jaguar Racing team to rebuild his race car.

“You’re never giving up, always pushing with the team, always believing in yourself, believing in the equipment underneath here, and just executing the plan,” said Bird. “And we did that. Just absolutely perfect today. So proud of everybody.”

Bird’s teammate, Mitch Evans, ran on the podium for the much of the race but hit the wall in turn four late in the race while trying to hold off Cassidy, Antonio Felix da Costa and others. Evans’ car sustained major damage and he fell from second to fourth. He continued to limp his car around the track, eventually finishing 13th.

Da Costa took the final place on the podium following the incident with Evans. Pascal Wehrlein finished fourth, followed by Andre Lotterer in fifth.

The victory catapulted Bird to the top of the Formula E standings, where he now holds a five-point advantage over da Costa.