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NEOM McLaren have today confirmed that 19-year-old Taylor Barnard will be continuing his duties as Reserve Driver, covering for an injured Sam Bird at the Berlin E-Prix next week. The double-header weekend takes place 11 and 12 May around the iconic Berlin Tempelhof Airport.
Barnard was drafted in after Sam Bird broke his hand in an accident during Monaco FP1, when his car locked up and went down an escape road near Sainte Devote. Despite his best efforts to rescue the car and minimise the damage, Bird hit the barrier and failed to let go of the steering wheel which led to the injury.
INTERVIEW: McLaren's Taylor Barnard on his Formula E debut
Bird has now undergone a successful surgery on his left hand, and the team is supporting Sam and his recovery to ensure he can compete again as quickly as achievable.
“We’re very pleased to report positive progress on Sam’s recovery, with a successful operation on his hand supporting his journey back into the car," Team Principal Ian James said in a statement.
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“Taylor did a stellar job in his last-minute call-up in Monaco, as did the team, who provided him with great support and guidance throughout. He will now be able to build on that experience, while Sam works on his recovery – with the team’s full support.
“We’re looking forward to having Sam back in the car soon.”
During his Formula E debut, the Brit managed to finish the Monaco E-Prix in 14th having started at the back of the pack.
A new Formula E record
Aged 19 years and 331 days, it also meant Barnard is now the youngest Formula E driver there has been in the championship’s 10 year history and the first teenager to start a race. The youngest before this was Matthew Brabham who was 20 years and 270 days old when he started the 2014 Putrajaya E-Prix.
“I actually didn't know that, someone told me earlier,” Barnard said on being a Formula E record holder. “What a place to make my debut, here in Monaco. It’s something that I didn't expect to happen. It's a bit bittersweet, obviously because Sam has injured himself but on the bright side, it's a nice place to make my debut.”