The 19-year-old Briton turned the youngest starter of a System E race when he competed in Saturday’s Monaco E-Prix, having solely been instructed 20 minutes earlier than the second observe session that he can be competing.
This was after common McLaren driver Bird suffered a high-speed off at Sainte Devote within the day’s earlier FP1 session that left him with a damaged bone in his left hand, that means Barnard acquired the call-up because the group’s reserve driver.
“The primary preliminary response was quite a lot of nerves, quite a lot of stress,” Barnard instructed Autosport about being knowledgeable he can be racing.
“I then needed to run to sign-on to truly be sure that I might drive then it was mainly throw my swimsuit on and get within the automobile. So not a lot time to consider it.
“There was not likely time to undergo issues and fear about it.”
Having solely achieved one 30-minute session earlier than qualifying, the place he completed final in his group however only one.730s off the main time, Barnard put in an assured drive to finally end 14th out of 20 finishers.
Having solely ever achieved System E rookie observe outings with McLaren, the most recent coming forward of the Misano E-Prix the place he topped the session, Barnard believes he tailored effectively given the circumstances.
Taylor Barnard, NEOM McLaren System E Workforce, e-4ORCE 04, leads Sebastien Buemi, Envision Racing, Jaguar I-TYPE 6
Picture by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images
“The primary 5 laps I type of backed off slightly bit and type of took my time, saved as a lot vitality as I might,” stated Barnard, who raced at Monte Carlo final season in System 3.
“I’m not likely certain if that was the plan nevertheless it was essentially the most comfy for me on the time and in hindsight, I feel it was most likely the most effective factor to do.
“There’s nothing you are able to do to organize for considered one of these races, you simply need to get thrown in on the deep finish and I feel I tailored pretty effectively.
“For certain there’s some issues that I need to overview and be taught and do higher for doubtlessly if there’s a subsequent time.”
McLaren confirmed that Chicken “would require additional therapy” to his injured hand however there was no replace on whether or not he’ll want surgical procedure, or if he’ll miss the subsequent occasion in Berlin.
Barnard was set to compete within the rookie take a look at following the Berlin E-Prix double-header subsequent month however shall be unable to take action having already made his System E debut.
Nevertheless, the full-time F2 racer will nearly actually be known as in to switch Chicken ought to the 12-time System E winner not be capable of recuperate in time.