NEOM McLaren reservist Taylor Barnard will compete in next weekend’s Berlin E-Prix double-header after Sam Bird underwent surgery on his hand.
The Sao Paulo winner suffered a fracture to his left hand after a crash in FP1 before last Saturday’s Monaco E-Prix. Barnard, who was given twenty minutes’ notice prior to FP2 to deputise, became the youngest-ever FIA Formula E driver in the process, and finished 14th after starting 22nd.
In a statement, McLaren say the surgery on Bird’s hand was “successful”, and the Englishman “can now look forward to a speedy recovery and a return to racing soon”.
Ian James, McLaren’s Team Principal, said: “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.
“Taylor did a stellar job in his last-minute call-up in Monaco, as did the team, who provided him with a 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.”
