DS Penske has confirmed that Britain’s rising Formula E star Taylor Barnard will drive for the team in Season 12 of the all-electric championship.
Barnard’s rise in the series has been dramatic, having made his debut as a stand-in for the injured Sam Bird for NEOM McLaren at the Monaco E-Prix two seasons ago.
His cameo appearances in Bird’s stead at both Monaco and Berlin saw him promoted to a full race seat alongside the veteran for Season 11.
And the Norwich-born hotshot continued to impress, taking five podiums and two pole positions to cement fourth place in the Drivers’ Championship.
Now 21, Barnard has managed to secure the records of the youngest-ever points-scorer and pole-sitter in FE history, coming desperately close to adding youngest-ever race-winner across the season.
But with the failed McLaren FE project shelved upon the conclusion of the campaign, Barnard appeared to be in danger of being out, but was naturally on the wishlist for a plethora of teams.
However, it is the Franco-American squad that has secured his services, placing him alongside German star Max Guenther.
Such is Barnard’s rising stock and reputation, DS has decided to dispense of the services of FE’s only two-time champion, Jean-Eric Vergne.
The Frenchman is rumoured to be switching to fellow Stellantis brand Citroen Racing, alongside Nick Cassidy.
Speaking to select media including Motorsport Week, Barnard said it was a “great privilege” to be joining the team, which under its previous partnership with Techeetah, has been champions.
“To continue my Formula E career anyway, it’s a great privilege. And to be able to do it with such a team as DS Penske, of course, it feels amazing,” he said.
“And of course, they’ve had a lot of success in the past and hopefully more success to come in the future.
“They won two races last year with Max, and plenty of success as well. So I’m hoping that I can continue my career and the team can continue their success into Season 12.”
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