The 19-year-old Briton turned the youngest starter of a System E race when he competed in Saturday’s Monaco E-Prix, having solely been informed 20 minutes earlier than the second apply session that he can be competing.
This was after common McLaren driver Bird suffered a high-speed off at Sainte Devote within the day’s earlier FP1 session that left him with a damaged bone in his left hand, which means Barnard received the call-up because the staff’s reserve driver.
“The primary preliminary response was a number of nerves, a number of pressure,” Barnard informed Autosport about being knowledgeable he can be racing.
“I then needed to run to sign-on to truly be sure that I might drive then it was mainly throw my swimsuit on and get within the automobile. So not a lot time to consider it.
“There was not likely time to undergo issues and fear about it.”
Having solely carried out one 30-minute session earlier than qualifying, the place he completed final in his group however just one.730s off the main time, Barnard put in an assured drive to finally end 14th out of 20 finishers.
Having solely ever carried out System E rookie apply outings with McLaren, the most recent coming forward of the Misano E-Prix the place he topped the session, Barnard believes he tailored properly given the circumstances.
Taylor Barnard, NEOM McLaren System E Staff, e-4ORCE 04, leads Sebastien Buemi, Envision Racing, Jaguar I-TYPE 6
Photograph by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images
“The primary 5 laps I sort of backed off somewhat bit and sort of took my time, saved as a lot vitality as I might,” stated Barnard, who raced at Monte Carlo final season in System 3.
“I’m not likely certain if that was the plan nevertheless it was probably the most comfy for me on the time and in hindsight, I feel it was most likely one of the best factor to do.
“There’s nothing you are able to do to organize for one in every of these races, you simply need to get thrown in on the deep finish and I feel I tailored pretty properly.
“For certain there’s some issues that I need to overview and be taught and do higher for probably if there’s a subsequent time.”
McLaren confirmed that Chook “would require additional therapy” to his injured hand however there was no replace on whether or not he’ll want surgical procedure, or if he’ll miss the following occasion in Berlin.
Barnard was set to compete within the rookie check following the Berlin E-Prix double-header subsequent month however shall be unable to take action having already made his System E debut.
Nevertheless, the full-time F2 racer will virtually definitely be known as in to exchange Chook ought to the 12-time System E winner not be capable of recuperate in time.