Jaguar TCS Racing have announced that Sam Bird won’t take part in today’s inaugural Cape Town E-Prix as a result of damage sustained to his car during an earlier shunt in qualifying.
The incident, which occurred after the chequered flag had been waved during the Group B qualifying session, saw the Maserati MSG Racing of Edoardo Mortara and Bird make contact with the wall. The crash, which happened at Turn 9 of the high-speed street circuit, was at the same location Envision Racing’s Sebastien Buemi destroyed his GEN3 machine during Friday’s Free Practice 1. Both drivers were unhurt.
In a statement released before the E-Prix, the Jaguar team confirmed that damage to Bird’s car meant he would be forced to sit out the race.
“Sam Bird is unable to compete in the fifth round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship after an accident in qualifying in Cape Town.
“Sam’s Jaguar I-TYPE 6 requires a chassis change and there is insufficient time to complete the work before the race.
“Jaguar TCS Racing’s efforts will now focus on optimising Mitch [Evans’] race.”
Bird will also join the four Mahindra-powered cars not starting the Cape Town E-Prix, after safety concerns regarding the rear suspension meant both Mahindra and ABT CUPRA could not take part for the rest of the weekend.