Overtake of the Week – Sam Bird

Our latest Overtake of the Week comes from the FIA Formula E Championship, the new all-electric race series. It is awarded to Sam Bird for his race-winning move in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Following an early Safety Car period, Bird’s chrome Virgin Racing machine was tailing the all-black Dragon Racing car of race leader and former IndyCar star Oriol Servia. As the green flag dropped to restart the race, the Brit got a fantastic exit out of the final corner on to the start/finish straight.

Servia, using all of his experience from over 15 years of open wheel racing, checked to the inside to cover Bird. As they blasted their way towards the tight chicane which formed the first corner, the 40-year old was able to keep ahead of his rival in second.

The 27-year old Virgin Racing driver opted to fall in behind the Spaniard and attempted to carry more speed out of the corner and on to the next straight.

He managed to do this and was quickly able to draw alongside Servia heading along the small straight leading to the next corner.

Despite Bird’s great exit, Servia held the inside line for the 90-degree right-hander at turn three. Bird, unwilling to let the opportunity pass, decided to brake earlier than Servia and attempt to cut back inside the leader for the next turn.

Servia went deep into the turn and allowed Bird to pull alongside him once again but this time, critically, handed the inside line to the Englishman. Bird, who is renowned as a street circuit specialist, finished the move into the next corner and never looked back as he cruised to victory in the Putrajaya ePrix.

The overtake was a treat for the fans as both drivers showed off all their years of hard earned racing experience to battle it out fairly for the lead.

Watch the overtake here (move at 12:30):

Speak your mind

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Presented by