SAM BIRD fought back from fifth to win the Formula E season opener in Saudi Arabia.
The Brit becomes the only driver to win a race in all six FE campaigns.
Sam Bird (GBR), Envision Virgin Racing
The Virgin driver battled through the field leaving Mercedes, Porsche and BMW in his wake.
Bird’s victory felt especially rewarding after making personal changes ahead of the new campaign.
Bird said: “Last year was difficult.
“I went through a bit of a transformation – I did a lot of thinking and a lot of mental stuff.
“Physically I am fitter than ever before, with a massive weight loss – losing six kilos.
“The team have also been amazing.
“We’re a small team but we punch well above our weight.”
Three-time 24-hours of Le Mans champion Andre Lotterer finished second in Porsche’s debut race after starting in seventh.
Mercedes also finished on the podium in their first FE race as ex-F1 star Stoffel Vandoorne was third.
The decisive moment in the race saw Bird fly down inside of Vandoorne to take the lead.
With five minutes remaining Audi’s Daniel Abt crashed into the wall leading to a frantic restart on the final two laps following the safety car.
But Bird fended a late before to win, before screaming down his radio: “Yes boys! Come on!”
The victory comes on the fifth anniversary of Sam Bird’s maiden win with Virgin in the first season of Formula E.
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
