Taylor Barnard has declared that he is "ready" to be Formula E world champion this season, with the Briton having full confidence that he can mount a title challenge.
Barnard burst onto the Formula E scene full-time with McLaren last season, following multiple successful stand-in performances the year prior while Sam Bird was injured.
In 2025, the 21-year-old became the most successful rookie in the history of the series, securing five podiums and two pole positions. He was consistently one of the quickest drivers throughout his maiden season, resulting in a fourth-place finish in the championship.
While the entirety of his rookie year was impressive, he truly announced himself in Jeddah, where Formula E returns this week for its first double-header of Season 12. At the Jeddah Corniche Circuit 12 months ago, Barnard claimed his first pole position and back-to-back podiums.
Now at DS Penske, everything points to another strong performance by the Red Sea, given that his new team also featured at the front of the grid and on the rostrum at this event last year.
"Yeah, this was the first real weekend where I kind of came on the scene, I guess — good memories," Barnard told RacingNews365 in Jeddah. "Of course, last year [in Jeddah] was very, very good.
"I had my first pole and two podiums. The rest of the season was pretty good last year as well. And I think, obviously, into a new team, a new situation for me this year, the start of the season has been good.
"We've not maximised the points that we could have done, but I think coming into this weekend, with the pace I've had throughout the season, it's looking positive. And I think, obviously, I have a good history here myself.
"DS Penske has a very good history here. Last year, Max [Günther] had a pole here, so it's a strong package going into the weekend, for sure."
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Barnard on a high
It has been a largely solid start to life at DS Penske for Barnard, who has already made a final duel appearance. He is a driver who arguably deserves more than the 12 points he currently sits on, all of which were scored in Mexico City.
The pace he showed so often at McLaren has been seen in glimpses this season, although Barnard expects it to become more evident now that he feels completely integrated into the Stellantis operation.
Asked if he is completely settled at DS Penske, Barnard replied: "Now, fully settled. It took a little while, to be honest.
"I think the environment change was very different, so it took a little while. I think in the first race of the season we didn't really have the package to compete, and since Mexico until now, I think we've had the fastest car."
The general sense is that Barnard is one big result away from kick-starting his second year in Formula E, something you would expect to happen in Jeddah based on his past results.
Barnard also believes this could be the weekend to bring his season to life, with him firmly believing the title is a real possibility.
"How I feel right now — I feel really confident," said Barnard. "I feel really, really good. I'm ready to be a champion this year. We still need to score some points, obviously, for that to happen.
"So if we have a really good weekend this weekend and close the points gap to the leader, I've got full confidence that I'm able to be a champion this year."
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