The Madrid E-Prix weekend marks Round 6 of the ABB Formula E Championship, and before the action took place on Circuito del Jarama, Pit Debrief caught up with DS Penske driver Taylor Barnard in the media pen.
Asked about his expectations for the weekend, the Brit optimistically said:
“The expectations are always the same. Of course, we want, as a team, and myself, to get podiums in the races. Realistically, I think we just want to take as many points as possible. We will do the maximum that we can with what we have. We will see after the first day practice session if we are able to do the podium and win, of course, we will try to do so. It’s always about maximising the package that we have.”
When asked about his goals for the remainder of the season, his answer was simple:
“To win a race.”
So far this season, the 21-year-old has secured 14 points but is still chasing his maiden victory. The first Free Practice session had Barnard finish in fifth, four tenths off P1. With a good start to the weekend, he hopes to see the strong momentum continue.
Barnard on DS leaving Formula E at the end of S12
Yesterday, DS Automobiles officially announced its exit from Formula E at the end of Season 12. After 11 years, DS moves onto a new era. As Barnard is currently driving for the DS Penske team, this brings on another challenge for the racer. However, the Brit is not unfamiliar with change, as he was a part of the NEOM McLaren team in his rookie year. After McLaren’s departure, he made the move to DS Penske. Now, at the end of his second full season in Formula E, DS will be leaving.
Speaking about the changes to Pit Debrief, Barnard stated:
“I’ve been in the thick of it both times. If I’m honest, it doesn’t affect me that much. I’m here to do my job, I’m here to drive as fast as I can. Just because some news has been announced, that doesn’t change. My full focus is on scoring points and podiums for the rest of the season, and then whatever happens after that, it’s not up to me.”
While the world of motorsport remains chaotic, Barnard stays focused on the task at hand. With a rapid pace and impressive performance, the racer continues to move forward.
The Rookie Test and adapting to Formula E
While Barnard is experiencing his second season in the all-electric series, he moved up the ranks through the feeder series. Having driven in Formula 4, Formula 3, and Formula 2 prior to his FE journey, he has made huge progress. When asked about the most challenging aspect for drivers coming from feeder series and adapting to Formula E, Barnard said to Pit Debrief:
“Obviously, I’m not very new anymore. I feel like I’m quite experienced, even though it’s just one year. The main thing adapting to the championship, I think it’s mainly it’s electric, but the way power is delivered is one of the biggest things. I guess for the rookies, they will feel that on Sunday as well. But yeah, I feel quite comfortable and experienced now, even if it’s just one year.”
On Sunday, after the Madrid E-Prix wraps up, the Rookie Test will take place. The Formula E Rookie Test is a great opportunity for young talent to get behind the wheel of new machinery. When asked about his thoughts on the test and on Formula E becoming more popular with drivers in the feeder series, Barnard was positive about the idea.
“I think it’s great. We have lots of senior drivers on the grid at the moment. So in the next five years, they will not be here anymore. There will be quite a lot of seats that are opened up. I guess half the grid at least, will be changed. So the way that you can fill those seats is with the future. They are the guys which will be driving on Sunday. So it’s good to have a rookie session just to evaluate the guys for the future. It’s a good experience for the rookies as well because there’s not many opportunities you get to drive with manufacturers and teams like that we have here. So it’s a good experience for them.”
