Despite lining up on the front row for Race 2, Taylor Barnard was left searching for answers after slipping down the order. Speaking to The Girls Who – Motorsport, he explained what ultimately prevented him from converting early track position into a strong result.
DS Penske Struggle with Race Pace
Starting from P2, the Brit looked well-placed to challenge for a top-five finish. He even led for a handful of laps in the early stages. However, as the race unfolded, he steadily dropped down the order.
Barnard pointed to the nature of the opening phase, where he was controlling the pace. “Obviously, the pace was really slow at the start of the race, and I was the one deciding it,” he said. As a result, he does not believe outright speed was the main issue early on, adding that it was “more about our consumption” in those first laps.
As the race began to evolve, the situation quickly changed. “The sudden drop was a little bit unfortunate,“ Barnard explained. With the pace increasing, drivers who had saved more energy earlier began to move forward. “The guys who were saving a lot came from the back,” he said, leaving him vulnerable at a critical moment.
“I just got shuffled down at the wrong point of the race,” he added. Still, he was candid about the bigger picture: “I think our race pace is just generally poor.”
What’s Happening with DS Penske?
Barnard’s comments reflect a wider issue for DS Penske, whose one-lap performance has not translated into consistent race results. “I think the race pace is not good enough,” he admitted. While he praised the team’s efforts in preparing the car for qualifying, he acknowledged that something is still missing on Sundays.
But is there anything more missing for them? “The guys put together a great setup, a great qualifying car and everything they can there,” Barnard said. “We’re not sure what we’re missing so far in the races.” Despite ongoing changes and adjustments, he noted, “we’re doing everything we can, but it never seems to be good enough in the races.” DS Penske will have to figure it out soon. Otherwise, it could put an end to their chances at this close championship.
Still in a Learning Phase
Difficult weekend in terms of the race, but positive things can still be taken out of it. “The set-ups we’re doing, especially for qualifying, seems to be working, so that’s a positive.“ If DS Penske try to learn how to make their car work, they’re not the only one in a learning phase.
Even in his second full Formula E season, Barnard believes there is still plenty to learn. “I’m gaining more experience every race,” he explained. The complexity of the championship continues to challenge him, with “lots of complex things to try and learn.” “So every race, every lap, I’m learning as much as I can,” he added, hopeful that this experience will pay off in the future. “Hopefully in a couple of years’ time, it will help me.”