Macau GP: Sam Bird qualifying race report

BIRD SOARS TEN PLACES IN MACAU QUALIFYING RACE

BP Ultimate driver Sam Bird flew through the pack from 15th on the grid to finish 5th in the first race in Macau today, Saturday.

After a poor start in Thursday's practice session, when he hit the barriers while learning the challenging circuit, the 20 year

old rookie had little track time ahead of yesterday's second qualifying session, and suffered for it, qualifying a lowly 15th.

Displaying one of his trademark lightning starts, Sam made his way round a three car pile up on the first lap

to pass many of the pre-race favourites. The CJ Motorsport managed driver finished the first lap in 5th place,

where he continued throughout the remainder of the race, finishing top rookie!

"I'm really thrilled that I overcame the problems I had in practice and qualifying" said MSA Race Elite driver Bird

"I made a good start and all I could think about was staying on track and out of trouble, especially round the first

corner! The car felt good throughout and I would like to thank the Carlin boys for such an amazing job so far.

My pace increased throughout the race and I was getting closer to Jakes when we had the red flag It's a good

place to start the race tomorrow -- let's see what I can do from there".

-credit: sambird.com