Fortescue Zero locks in Barnard for first Formula E campaign

Fortescue Zero Racing has confirmed that Taylor Barnard has signed with the team, becoming its first Formula E driver.

Barnard drove for the team’s predecessor DS Penske, and while he wasn’t nailed on as continuing until Monday’s announcement, his contact not being included in the Australian company’s purchase of Penske Autosport, it was expected.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Fortescue Zero Racing and be part of building something from the ground up,” Barnard said. “This is a new team with a huge amount of ambition, and I want to help turn that ambition into results on the track.”

“Fortescue Zero has a strong history of developing high-performance electric technology, and I’m looking forward to working with the team and helping push that technology further and faster than ever before. We know there is a lot of hard work ahead, but that is exactly what makes this opportunity so exciting. I can’t wait to get started.”

Barnard won what was DS Penske’s final race in London back in August, becoming Formula E’s youngest race winner. He added that accolade to those of youngest point scorer, youngest podium finisher, and youngest polesitter which he all achieved during his first full season when driving for the now defunct McLaren Electric Racing operation.

“Taylor is exactly the kind of driver a new team wants to build around,” said Fortescue Zero Racing team principal Jim Wright. “He has already shown that he has the speed, discipline and race-craft to compete at the front of Formula E.

“Barnard is young, hungry and has a huge amount of potential. Just as importantly, he understands how to work with engineers and extract every bit of performance and efficiency from the car.

“We are building a new team with serious ambitions. Taylor is the first piece of that picture, and we are excited to see what we can achieve together.”

Barnard’s former DS Penske teammate Maximilian Günther has already been confirmed at PaySafe Envision Racing for the upcoming season, leaving one seat available at Fortescue. Dan Ticktum, who is leaving Cupra Kiro, is thought to be in the frame to race alongside Barnard.