Formula E: Sam Bird fastest in Miami ePrix practice

[Jordan Adcock]

Sam Bird went fastest in the half-hour free practice session for Formula E’s first visit to Miami as drivers got used to the circuit.

The session was delayed for a couple of hours to finish needed construction work. Initial running was very tentative as the bumpy corner entries revealed themselves, especially in the lap’s final section circling the AmericanAirlines Arena where the track becomes mostly concrete and very tight. The pit exit being positioned right next to the racing line on the exit of turn 7 could provide trouble during busy car-switching phase of the race later today.

Yet despite the Biscayne Bay circuit’s challenges, only Nick Heidfeld (Venturi) ran off the track, locking up going into turn 1 without damaging the car. This weekend’s debutant Scott Speed (Andretti Autosport) impressed by going 4th quickest, just tenths behind Sam Bird (Virgin Racing). The championship contender was ahead of Karun Chandhok (Mahindra) and points leader Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT). Other new drivers were Vitantonio Liuzzi (Trulli GP) and Loïc Duval (Dragon Racing), both easily among the regular drivers’ pace.