Held in Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.A, the next Formula E race has Sam Bird joined by fellow Brit and test/reserve driver Alex Lynn - deputising for the absent Jose Maria Lopez - to give the championship its first ever all-British pairing. Last time out in Berlin, Germany, DS Virgin Racing enjoyed a successful weekend with both its drivers scoring points in both races to leave them in fourth place in the team standings - and 40 points clear of their nearest rival.
Now the all-electric championship heads for the first time to New York - the penultimate city in the 2016/2017 season calendar - for Rounds Nine and 10. The purpose-built 1.953km, 10-turn track will see drivers reach speeds of up to 195km/h and contend with two different race distances - with 43 laps on Saturday and 49 on Sunday - designed to give teams and drivers an extra challenge to contend with.
Bird said, "From my time on the simulator, the track looks great and should provide some close racing for the New York fans. With two races to contend with, each a different length, strategy is going to be key, especially when there's twice as many points up for grabs."
Lynn said, "To be making my Formula E debut in New York is a fantastic feeling. With such a competitive field, preparation is key, so we've been working hard with the engineers, on the simulator and out on the test track. The car feels good and I'm confident I can deliver for the team."
Throughout the weekend, the drivers will also have the support of Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson - who was recently announced as the team's new 'reserve driver' - and that he will attend the Big Apple event. The New York Rounds Nine and 10 of the FIA Formula E Championship will take place on 15th and 16th July.
