Sam Bird believes that if he was in the same situation as last season, with Sebastien Buemi hunting him down in the closing stages, he will be able to defend from the reigning champion much easier than last year.

The 29-year old who won the Buenos Aires ePrix last season felt he was under pressure during the majority of the race, which helped him when he had to defend from Buemi in the closing stages of the race.

“I was under pressure for the whole race last season,” explained Bird speaking exclusively to Formula E Zone. “I don’t think I had a moment where there wasn’t a car close behind me. So that was significant pressure, but when Buemi was behind me, I knew it would be a real fight. He obviously had the car capable of overtaking and pulling away very quickly.

“If I was in the same situation again this year, I know I will be able to keep him behind me because my car is better than last years car. So I think it would be easier to keep him behind, as last year it looked like I could go off the track at any moment. ”

“Although, Buemi is on a great run at the moment and if he qualifies at the front which he can do it will be extremely difficult for anybody this weekend,” said Bird.

Disappointment with the start of the season

The Brit has had a strong start to the season but has been disappointed with how the season has gone so far. In Hong Kong, the 29-year old felt the win was stolen from him after a steering wheel failure in his second car stopped him leaving the pits in time to regain the lead of the race.

“It was a steering wheel issue that we had in Hong Kong and it was a supplier issue that shouldn’t happen. We have spoken to steering wheel supplier to ensure that that the problem won’t happen again, but you can never say never.

“There have been too many times in my Formula E career where we have been in a great position but things haven’t gone our way due to a technical issue.

“If you look at the strategy we had compared to everybody else, we stayed out five laps longer. If I came out of the pits when I should have, I would have won the race,” explained Bird.

The British driver finished second in Marrakesh but was annoyed by being beaten by Buemi on the same strategy.

“I was disappointed with second in Marrakesh. Buemi beat me on the same strategy and beat me comfortably, I think it was a very comfortable win for him.

“Even though he only lead the race in the closing stages, it was a very comfortable win for hi. He had that much of a speed advantage, so we need to make sure that for Buenos Aires and the rest of the races that speed advantage isn’t as big or not his.

“Although I am happy with the progress we made, we are more competitive than we were last season, but it doesn’t look like that on points. So I am looking forward to the rest of the season,” said Bird.

Looking ahead to Buenos Aires

The 29-year old is looking forward to returning to Buenos Aires this weekend, as he feels the circuit is great to drive, as well as the fans creating a strong atmosphere.

“It is just a fun place to drive, it creates overtaking opportunities, we have had two great races there. We attract a lot of fans to the event which is always great. All those things combine make it a great spectacle,” said Bird.