Formula E: Brit Sam Bird wins in Rome to throw himself into championship picture

A second win of the season pulls him to within touching distance of overall leader Jean-Eric Vergne

Sam Bird won his second E-Prix of the season in Rome (Getty)

Brit Sam Bird moved to play down talk of a championship as he won his second race of the Formula E season in Rome on Saturday to close in on championship trailblazer Jean-Eric Vergne for the overall lead.

London-born Bird held off reigning champion Lucas Di Grassi to secure his first win since the opening race in Hong Kong, but benefitted as race favourite Felix Rosenqvist crashed out after a mistake on lap 22.

“I honestly didn’t think I’d be sitting here today when I saw the pace of Felix [Rosenqvist],” Bird said of the seventh win of his Formula E career.

“Then at the end of the first stint he was struggling and I was able to catch him but there were cars behind who went quick and went a little longer… which gave them the upper hand heading into the second half.

“I’m not sure what happened with Felix but then it was a case of being calm and not making mistakes. I did make a mistake which allowed Mitch and Lucas to close on me.

“I knew they’d be hunting on the last lap but I tried to give myself the best scenario and held on.”

Now just 18 points behind Vergne at the top of the championship standings, Bird is very much in the mix for honours.

But he was keen to play down his chances when asked about the potential for glory when this rollercoaster season ends in Brooklyn in July.

“I’ve just got to do the best job I can in every race.

“When we get to New York we’ll have a look at the points but until then let’s concentrate on taking it race-by-race. I didn’t think we’d be in this position but we’ve maximised everything and it’s down to DS Virgin Racing that I’m sat here.”

Bird remains the only driver to have won a race in each season of Formula E.