Formula E veteran Sam Bird has been signed by Nissan as its reserve and development driver for the forthcoming 12th season of the all-electric championship.
Bird, who has been an omnipresent figure in Formula E since its inception in 2014, looked to be heading out of the series after NEOM McLaren’s withdrawal at the end of last season.
At Season 11’s finale in London, an emotional Bird appeared to accept his fate that he was without a drive, but his relationship with Nissan – McLaren’s powertrain supplier – has given his career somewhat of a reprieve.
The move is undoubtedly a shrewd one by the Japanese marque, as it is now commencing its testing of the GEN4 car which will launch in Season 13, in just over a year’s time.
In a statement released by Nissan, Bird said: “I’ve worked closely with Nissan over the past two seasons, so I feel prepared as I know the Nissan Formula E powertrain well.
“I’ve got a great relationship with both Oli [Rowland] and Norman [Nato] and they are two drivers I respect very highly.
“I’ll help them in any way possible trackside and by aiding to further develop the current GEN3 Evo and future GEN4 car.
“The knowledge I have built up over the last two years will mean I can jump straight into the simulator and give feedback instantly, supporting the squad to build on its recent success in Season 11.”
Nissan Team Principal Tommaso Volpe said: “We’re very happy to welcome Sam as our reserve and development driver for Season 12. He is one of the most experienced and successful drivers in the championship and has competed with our powertrain for the past two seasons, so there was really no question that he would be a great fit for the team.
“He will play an important role as we look to keep consistently fighting at the top in the upcoming campaign while we get ready for GEN4.”
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