London E-Prix: Sam Bird explains unique challenge of indoor/outdoor circuit at ExCel centre

Formula E returns to London on July 30 and 31 for the latest E-Prix on the streets of the Capital, with the iconic indoor/outdoor circuit at the ExCel centre once again playing host to the race.

It’s a destination and venue that has proven hugely popular with drivers, teams and fans alike, with it providing a pretty unique challenge to those behind the wheel.

With the championship still very much wide open as well, it’s going to be a crucial weekend in terms of the title race, with every point crucial at this stage.

What’s it like to drive and go from indoors to outdoors at racing speeds, though? Sam Bird recently explained at an event in London ahead of the E-Prix, when asked by Give Me Sport:

“It’s really enjoyable, the ground inside is very, very high grip and probably the most tricky part of the track is entering or leaving the venue so when you’re coming out into the sunlight, the surface change means the tyre reacts differently so you go from having a very pointy car to then not having a front and then the rear giving up as well as you go down the ramp out of the Excel.

“And then going back you have less grip on quite an old tarmac going up the ramp. You go over some metal strips which creates a little bit of push, you’ve got to anticipate that and then the car grips up again on this high grip removable surface that Formula E puts down.

“It’s a very unique experience and I enjoyed it last year. The cars looked fantastic inside, Formula E did a great job.

“I’m excited that I think this year will be more opened up so we’ll have a larger fan base trackside so all in all it’s a great experience and we do put on a good show and one where people thatcome along will have a lot of fun.”

It’s certainly fun seeing racing