Bird soars to Putrajaya Formula E victory

Sam Bird produced a dominant drive to claim victory in the second round of the all electric FIA Formula E Championship at Malaysia’s Putrajaya street circuit.

The Virgin Racing driver grabbed the lead from polesitter Oriol Servia in the early stages, but a slick early pit stop strategy from Daniel Abt saw Bird rejoin the race behind the German.

A string of fast laps saw Bird reel in Abt before passing the Audi Sport Abt driver six laps from the end to clinch the win.

Beijing winner Lucas di Grassi and e.dams driver Sebastien Buemi delivered highly impressive drives to finish second and third having started from 18th and 19th on the grid respectively.

Matthew Brabham endured an eventful Formula E debut as he recovered from a spin on the opening lap to finish in 13th position for Andretti Autosport.

Servia made no mistakes from the start as he left the field into Turn 1 from Bird, who was promoted to second on the grid after Jerome d’Ambrosio was issued with a power usage penalty after qualifying.

There was plenty of action behind as Katherine Legge collided with Michela Cerruti, while Brabham spun and clipped Nick Heidfeld.

The incident saw the deployment of the Safety Car with Servia leading Bird, Jarno Trulli and Karun Chandhok.

Bird wasted little time on the restart  as he steamed into the lead with a move on Servia. The Spaniard lost momentum and dropped to fourth spot as a result.

Once in front he stormed into a healthy lead while behind there was yet more trouble for Heidfeld, who was squeezed into the wall by Franck Montagny.

Bird emerged in second spot with plenty to do having rejoined behind the early stopping Abt after making his mandatory pit stop to change cars on Lap 19.

Behind di Grassi and Buemi had climbed inside the top 10 after strong opening stints.

The attention soon switched to the battle for the lead as Bird quickly caught Abt, who was down on power. The former Mercedes F1 test driver slipped down the inside of the German to take the lead on lap 25 before cruising to the chequered flag.

Contact between Trulli and Nelson Piquet allowed di Grassi and Buemi to threaten the podium places. The pair also leapt into front of Abt to complete the podium.

Bruno Senna had been on course for points but he suffered a nasty crash on the final lap.

Nicolas Prost came home in fourth ahead of d’Ambrosio, Chandhok and Servia.

Antonio Felix da Costa finished eight in front of Alguersuari while Abt limped home to round out the top 10.

FIA Formula E Championship Putrajaya Result