The Manor Motorsport driver had qualified fifth for Sunday's event, and was challenging Roberto Streit for third on the run down to Mandarin Bend after the start.
But Streit defended the position and kept moving across on Bird, eventually squeezing him into the wall. Streit's car was tipped in front of Bird's, smashing into the barriers on the right before rebounding to the right of the track.
The crash put both men out on the spot and cost Bird what he believed was a real chance of victory in the end-of-season event.
"I'm absolutely gutted," Bird told autosport.com. "I was gutted when I lost the Formula BMW title in 2005, but this meant so much more to me.
"I've not had a good year and this was my one chance to prove to people that I am the driver I had the potential to be a couple of years ago. I don't think I've ever driven better in my life than I have this weekend."
Bird had already endured other frustrations over the weekend, having been stripped of a front row start for Saturday's qualifying race when he was penalised three places for missing a weigh bridge check in Saturday's free practice session.
Having set the second best qualifying time, bettered only by TOM'S driver Carlo van Dam, Bird started fifth - the position he kept throughout Saturday's race.
"I was quick enough for the front row in qualifying," he said. "I stayed out of trouble yesterday when the car wasn't quite right. I made a great start today and I honestly thought I had a good chance of winning.
"I really did think I could win this one - or at the very least be on the podium - and to have it taken away by such a silly move is just so frustrating."
Streit claimed after the race that he was unaware Bird was right behind him when he moved over to the right.
"I didn't see Bird," said the Brazilian. "The last time I looked in my mirror he was behind, the next thing I felt the hit and it was over. I didn't know he was there. It's a shame and an unfortunate end to the weekend, but races are races."
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