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Sam Bird was left hungry for more after sampling Formula E’s new four-wheel-drive system during pre-season testing at at the Spanish circuit of Jarama Four-wheel drive will come into play whe…
After testing the new four-wheel-drive system in Formula E’s pre-season testing at Jarama, Sam Bird expressed a desire for it to be a permanent feature in the series rather than just a strategic option. He highlighted the enhanced performance and fun factor of the four-wheel drive, especially in terms of acceleration and cornering. Despite a promising start for his NEOM McLaren team in testing, Bird emphasized that the focus is on completing their planned development program efficiently rather than purely chasing quick lap times. Bird and his teammate Taylor Barnard focused on race simulations and longer runs during the test, withholding the full power of the car to prioritize tire management and data collection. With Formula E’s new Hankook tires and refreshed cars adding complexity, Bird acknowledged it’s too early to gauge the competition’s true pace and efficiency, stressing the need for more races to assess the field accurately.