Formula E: 5 things we learned upon return in Saudi Arabia

4. Sam Bird has still got what it takes to win

On Friday, Sam Bird became the first and only driver to win a race in every season of Formula E’s existence after racing from fifth on the grid to take a spectacular victory.

Initially stuck behind Edoardo Mortara, Bird showed outstanding overtaking skill and a deep understanding of the strategy surrounding the Attack Mode rules in order to outfox the two Mercedes drivers and polesitter Alexander Sims.

For Bird, who had a disappointing season in 2018-19 by his own high standards, this was a timely reminder of his skills and a message to the rest of the grid about his intentions for the new season.

After the race, he spoke about the work he and the team put in during the offseason, and it certainly showed during race one.

Bird was once again in the thick of things in race two, before contact with Mitch Evans ended his race.

It was decided by the stewards that Evans was deserving of a penalty, and while it was a tight space in which to attempt an overtake, Bird could have perhaps given more room.

Many would have seen it as a racing incident, but the accident shouldn’t take away from how impressive Bird was looking.

At the point of the crash, he was again on for a podium, having already passed Evans and with Lucas di Grassi and Antonio Felix da Costa in his sights.

This crash won’t throw off Bird though, and he should now go into Santiago in January as one of the favorites for the race and the championship.