Sam Bird savors ‘incredible’ first Formula E victory for NEOM McLaren

Sam Bird delivered NEOM McLaren's first ever Formula E win last week in Brazil. (Formula E)
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Updated 21 March 2024
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Sam Bird savors ‘incredible’ first Formula E victory for NEOM McLaren

  • The British driver’s win in Sao Paulo came in only his fourth race for the team

RIYADH: NEOM McLaren driver Sam Bird has described his Sao Paulo E-Prix victory as ‘incredible’ and is thrilled to have secured the team’s first triumph in Formula E.

The 37-year-old Briton sealed one of the most dramatic victories in Formula E history with a stunning final-lap move on former teammate Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) to cross the checkered flag first. It was his first victory since signing for the team and the first for NEOM McLaren since its strategic partnership in 2022.

Bird said: “It is extra special and incredible. I’m very pleased for the whole team … This team was started from scratch at the beginning of Season 9 and last year, McLaren didn’t have the season that they wanted.

“We wanted it a bit more challenging, and we set ourselves some goals this year. One of them was to get more podiums and I felt that was a realistic target. I was not expecting any wins this year, but this shows how much progress we have made this year.”

Bird joined NEOM McLaren at the start of Season 10 with Sao Paulo only being his fourth race after rounds in Mexico and Diriyah.

He had nothing but praise for his colleagues and the progress they were making as a team.

“I am so impressed with the development of NEOM McLaren,” he said. “I have seen a team that has been transformed and one that has so much grit and determination to succeed. When you start something from scratch, it can take a bit of time and I’m happy to be part of this team and help them grow into becoming a podium and race-winning Formula E team.”

The next race in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is the 2024 Tokyo E-Prix on Saturday, March 30.


Dubai Basketball beat defending EuroLeague champions Fenerbahce for second time this season

Updated 16 sec ago
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Dubai Basketball beat defending EuroLeague champions Fenerbahce for second time this season

  • A 92-81 victory was Dubai’s 13th home win of the season across two leagues

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball produced another historic night at Coca-Cola Arena, defeating Turkish giants and reigning EuroLeague champions Fenerbahce 92-81 to secure their second victory over the title holders in their debut EuroLeague campaign.

Roared on by a sold-out crowd in Dubai, Jurica Golemac’s side brought their trademark home court control to a high-intensity contest and closed out a decisive result in EuroLeague Round 21. The victory halted Fenerbahce’s four-game winning streak and underlined Dubai Basketball’s growing presence in the league.

From the opening tip, the hosts imposed themselves at both ends of the floor, executing with purpose and closing out a statement win in front of their fans. Bosnian canter Kenan Kamenjas led the charge with a dominant double-double of 20 points and 15 rebounds while McKinley Wright topped the scoring charts with 22 points — both players making their mark for their debut season with the Dubai side.

Dubai Basketball Head Coach Jurica Golemac praised his players’ response and mentality following the final buzzer.

“Congratulations to the players,” he said. “We answered the challenge in the best possible way,” Golemac said. “After the last two games, we knew we had to show much more desire and energy, and that’s exactly what this group delivered.”

The atmosphere inside Coca-Cola Arena matched the magnitude of the occasion, and Golemac reserved special praise for Dubai’s very own saying: “Fenerbahce brought their fans, but I’m very proud of ours,” he said. “They competed in the stands the same way we competed on the court. Congratulations to them and to the players.”

This is Dubai’s 13th home win of the season across two leagues — cementing Coca-Cola Arena as one of the toughest home courts to compete in across two of the best European leagues. The city next welcomes Serbia’s Borac Mozzart for an ABA League Monday night match-up on Jan. 12.