Latest news with #NEOMMcLaren
Arab News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Arab News
From dust to data: NEOM McLaren's Bird and James eye strong finish after tough Jakarta test
Riyadh: Coming off a demanding weekend at the Jakarta E-Prix, NEOM McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird and managing director and team principal Ian James joined a media roundtable on June 24 to discuss their takeaways from the race and the team's trajectory heading into the final stretch of the season. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Bird pointed to the circuit conditions in Jakarta as the toughest challenge of the weekend. He said that while dust was expected at the venue, the addition of rain made the surface even more unpredictable. 'We saw a dusty circuit almost get even dustier and even more difficult,' he said. The only grip available was on the narrow racing line, and deviating from it often meant a ruined lap or a potential crash. 'There was pretty much only the racing line that cleaned up, and then if you put one wheel off the racing line, the lap was finished or you were in the wall,' Bird said. That made overtaking extremely limited, and strategy around attack mode became even more critical. A technical issue with attack mode activation during the race also stood out as a key learning moment for Bird. Despite following standard procedures — pressing the activation button and passing over the loops — his boost failed to activate. 'We put that down to a regulation I didn't know about with regards to the amount of time that I needed to press the button for,' he said. In response, the team is now conducting an internal study of his button press durations over the past year to ensure consistency and compliance in future. Despite some setbacks this season, Bird emphasized the importance of staying focused and united as a team. 'If we can all operate at 100 percent — that's engineers, mechanics, myself, Taylor (Barnard) — then we know that we can score some big points,' he said. Acknowledging a few missed opportunities, Bird noted that the remaining four races are an opportunity to convert potential into performance. For James, the most rewarding part of his role has been leading a group of highly skilled and motivated individuals. He described the NEOM McLaren Formula E team as 'a group of men and women who are brilliant at what they do,' crediting their dedication and collaboration as key drivers of success. 'In bringing all of those ingredients, all those team members together, you then really unlock the performance potential of the team,' he added. Beyond the racing, James highlighted the progress the team has made in brand development and fan engagement. He confirmed that internal benchmarks in these areas have been met, reflecting Formula E's growing global appeal. In particular, he pointed to Saudi Arabia as a case study for that growth. He recalled the early days of Formula E in Diriyah in 2018 when the sport was still unfamiliar to many in the Kingdom. 'Every year that we've gone back, that interest has grown and grown,' he said, noting that the recent move to Jeddah has introduced the championship to new audiences and strengthened its presence in the region. With the team fourth in the standings with four races to go, James admitted that more work is needed to meet their goal of a top-three finish. Still, both he and Bird expressed confidence that the team has the talent, structure, and momentum to close the season on a high.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Jakarta E-Prix 2025 Qualifying results: Jake Dennis grabs pole, Taylor Barnard a close second on the grid
Fresh from his lavish 30th birthday celebrations, Andretti's Jake Dennis secured pole position in the Jakarta Qualifying on Saturday. Dennis had finished second in both races during the last Jakarta E-Prix in 2023 and has now positioned himself to move up a spot on the podium in the final race at the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Taylor Barnard of NEOM McLaren qualified second on the grid and is now among the contenders for the winner's trophy. Grid order for Jakarta E-Prix Final Pole-sitter Jake Dennis has claimed one podium this season and is hungry for a win in Jakarta. His two podium finishes in Jakarta last year underline his stronghold in Indonesia. Despite securing five podiums this season, Taylor Barnard is still chasing his first Formula E victory and will be starting second on the grid. Nyck De Vries of Mahindra Racing is third, and Jaguar TCS Racing's Nick Cassidy will start fourth. They are followed by CUPRA Kiro driver Dan Ticktum in fifth and Mahindra Racing's Edoardo Mortara in sixth. Envision Racing's Sebastien Buemi is seventh, while DS Penske's Jean-Eric Vergne rounds out the top eight. Practice race winners failed to carry their momentum into qualifying. Previous Jakarta E-Prix winner Maximilian GUnther, who topped FP1 this year, will start 12th on the grid. Jake Hughes, who led FP2, ended up in 18th place. Leading Formula E driver Oliver Rowland brushed the wall and was eliminated before the Duels. The Nissan driver is now placed 17th on the grid for the final race. Jakarta Qualifying highlights Jake Dennis overpowered Edoardo Mortara in Quarter Final 1. Nick Cassidy beat Jean-Éric Vergne in Quarter Final 2. Sébastien Buemi, despite having won a race this season, was overtaken by Nyck De Vries in Quarter Final 3. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Taylor Barnard, showing strong form on Saturday, defeated Dan Ticktum in Quarter Final 4. Dennis then overcame Cassidy in Semi Final 1, while Barnard surpassed De Vries in Semi Final 2. So far, the Formula E drivers have been fortunate to avoid rain during any of the practice sessions and Saturday's Qualifying. However, some cars appeared unstable on the track as drivers navigated through dry and wet patches left by an early morning shower. Also Read: It rained before the second free practice session on Saturday, leaving drivers to race on a damp track during FP2. Jake Hughes of Maserati MSG Racing topped FP2 in the morning, followed by Pascal Wehrlein of TAG Heuer Porsche in second and NEOM McLaren's Taylor Barnard in third.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jakarta E-Prix 2025: Sam Bird gets stranded in Abu Dhabi as Oliver Rowland, Jake Dennis and Robin Frijns reach Indonesia
Image credit: Sam Bird/Instagram The Formula E drivers have reached Indonesia for the Jakarta E-Prix. It is scheduled to begin on Friday, June 20, with the final race scheduled for Saturday, June 21. However, the status of NEOM McLaren driver Sam Bird isn't clear yet. He got stranded in Abu Dhabi for the night and hoped to get a flight to Jakarta on Wednesday. The reason why Bird's flight got stranded in Abu Dhabi isn't clear. The region is currently seeing a lot of flight route changes and delays amid the ongoing Israel-Iran attacks war. Formula E drivers head to Jakarta for Round 12 Sam Bird took to his Instagram Stories Tuesday night to share a picture of his flight after getting down at the Abu Dhabi airport. He wrote along with it, 'O dear! Stranded for the night in Abu Dhabi. Fingers crossed I can get a flight to Jakarta tomorrow.' He is yet to post an update until the publishing of this story. Meanwhile, several other Formula E drivers took to social media to share an update about their arrival in Jakarta. Jake Dennis, who had been partying hard for quite a few days in Monaco, revealed he was on time to participate at the Jakarta E-Prix. The Andretti driver celebrated his 30th birthday on a yacht along with family and friends, including his girlfriend Lexi Grace Boosey. He shared a picture of himself from the lift and captioned it on his Instagram Stories, 'Back down to business! Next stop Jakarta.' Dennis would be hoping for yet another podium this year after he won second position in both the races held at the Jakarta double-header two years ago. He had also recorded the fastest lap in Race 2. Nissan's Oliver Rowland confirmed he had reached Indonesia for the race. He shared a picture from The Langham hotel in Jakarta. Envision Racing driver Robin Frijns shared a picture of the snow-covered mountains from his flight to Jakarta. He recently participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race and ended up in 18th position. Also Read: Jake Dennis shows off special birthday gift from girlfriend, says 'She knows me well' Twenty-two Formula E drivers are participating in the Round 12 Formula E race in Indonesia. The race will be held at the 2.37 km Ancol Beach street track in the new GEN3 Evo electric car, which will be racing in the country for the first time. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Sam Bird's girlfriend Jess Impiazzi? Know more about the actor who is always cheering for the Formula E driver
Image credit: Jess Impiazzi/Instagram Formula E driver Sam Bird is yet to clinch a podium this season, but the 38-year-old has his partner and actor Jess Impiazzi by his side most of the time. The NEOM McLaren driver is often spotted with Impiazzi at the races, and she too is usually there to cheer for him from the sidelines. Here is more about the actor who was also present at the recently held Tokyo E-Prix. Who is Jess Impiazzi ? Jess Impiazzi is a TV actress, having featured in shows like C.B. Strike (2017), Keep Calm & Carry On (2022), and Override (2021). She often accompanies Sam Bird to the track and is one of his biggest cheerleaders during the races. She is currently working on the Jitters movie and had shared some behind-the-scenes pictures from the shooting of the film. She recently also opened up about her struggle with lupus — an autoimmune disease. She is now in remission and thanked her near and dear ones who helped her in her journey. Jess Impiazzi shares post about Tokyo E-Prix Sam Bird's girlfriend Jess Impiazzi accompanied him to the Tokyo E-Prix as well and then penned a note to sum up the experience. Talking about the Tokyo trip, Impiazzi wrote, 'I couldn't be more proud of you @sambird_official getting back in the points today here in #Tokyo at the @fiaformulae #tokyoeprix! You're an incredible human and have a heart and soul second to none!' Talking more about the Tokyo double-header, Impiazzi wrote, 'Tokyo has been the most amazing place! The culture, the people, the awesome things to see and do! I've loved every second of this trip! I'm so grateful to the amazing team @mclarenfe! Every single person who works there is just the kindest and loveliest humans! I feel so lucky getting to know everyone! So that's a wrap on our Tokyo trip and coming back home tomorrow! Over and out. ' Also Read: Sam Bird is NEOM McLaren teammate Taylor Barnard's biggest cheerleader, says 'It's been great to see Taylor do such an incredible job' Sam Bird is currently in 17th position in the Formula E Driver Standings with 27 points. He has also been cheering for teammate Taylor Barnard, who is doing very well in his rookie season at NEOM McLaren.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sam Bird is NEOM McLaren teammate Taylor Barnard's biggest cheerleader, says 'It's been great to see Taylor do such an incredible job'
Image credit: Formula E Formula E drivers Sam Bird and Taylar Barnard have a massive 17 year age difference between them but the NEOM McLaren drivers are as close as brothers. While Sam Bird is more experienced, Barnard is the one excelling in his rookie season this year. Barnard was a reserve driver for NEOM McLaren last season and made his Formula E debut while filling in for an injured Bird at the Monaco-E-Prix. This year, he joined Bird as a co-driver and their bromance is for all to see. Sam Bird and Taylor Barnard 's bromance The Instagram handle of Formula E shared a video of Sam Bird praising Taylor Barnard. It was shared with the caption: 'What a season it's been for @taylorbarnard1! @sambird_official names it one of his favourite moments so far.' The video showed Bird talking about Barnard's top notch performance in the 2025 Formula E season and calling it one of his favourite moments. He says in the video, 'My favourite moment of the season so far? Oh gosh. It's been great to see Taylor Barnard do such an incredible job. He's been the outstanding driver of the year so far. You know for a rookie it's been awesome. So I'd probably say those two things.' The Instagram handle of Neom McLaren Formula E dropped a comment on the video: 'True definition of team mates.' Formula E once also shared a video of Bird and Barnard's bonding along with the caption: 'These two, the best bromance on the grid!' The video showed how Bird tried to play a prank on Barnard but the 21--year-old was too alert to not let Bird find any success in his plans. Among many of his plans, he asks Barnard to smell the cake with a plan to smash it on his face but the latter says, 'No I am good.' Fans loved their bromance and cheered for them in the comments section. A fan reacted, 'Sam like the protected big brother, this is the broamance we never knew we needed.' Another said, 'Taylor looking at Sam then laughs out of nowhere is soo me.' One more said, 'Your honor, I'm guilty, I love them so much.' A fan called them the 'Best duo on the grid.' Another called them 'Uncle sam and lil Tay'. Also Read: Taylor Barnard heads home with extra luggage after podium finish at Tokyo E-Prix Barnard is currently in fourth position in the 2024 Formula E Driver Standings with 86 points. He has already won five podiums in his rookie season and there are five more races to go for Barnard to aim for a win. Bird is 17th position in the Driver Standings with 27 points.
