BIRD IS FLYING HIGH

SAM BIRD stormed past half the field on his way to a podium finish that took him to the top of the Formula E world championship standings.

The Brit romped from 10th on the grid to second place in a wild Rome E-Prix which was won by Jean-Eric Vergne. Bird’s Jaguar team-mate, New Zealander Mitch Evans, claimed third.

Bird said: “To get a two-three, our first ever double podium as a team, is an amazing job.”

Fellow Brit Oliver Rowland led early on but was given a drive-through penalty.