LONDON: As the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship gears up for the start of the new season in Sao Paulo next month, pre-season testing takes place in Spain this week.
Eleven teams will hit the track as they fine-tune their preparations over the four days, from Nov. 5-8. There will also be a historic milestone, with the first all-female test session in an FIA Championship.
Following the devastating flash floods affecting Valencia, the test session has been moved to the Circuito del Jaramo in Madrid following consultation between Formula E, the FIA, local authorities and Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
While Valencia has been integral to Formula E since 2017, the decision was made to avoid diverting resources from local relief efforts. Formula E has confirmed its commitment to supporting the recovery of the Valencia community.
Formula E Chief Championship Officer Alberto Longo said: “We are incredibly thankful to be able to kick off our pre-season testing in Madrid, a move made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Circuito de Jarama team. Our thoughts are still with the Valencia community as we prepare to hit the track, as a place so close to our hearts.
“This season marks a significant milestone as we unveil the GEN3 Evo, showcasing its incredible acceleration speeds for the first time. Additionally, we are proud to make history with the inaugural women’s test — a first for an FIA Championship — reflecting our commitment to diversity and inclusion in motorsport. There’s so much to be excited about as we gear up for the new season, which starts next month in Sao Paulo. Season 11 of Formula E, vamos!”
The first FIA all-female test session is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8. Each team in the championship is required to field at least one female driver for the half-day session.
The GEN3 Evo means the teams and drivers need to master another new car. There have also been grid additions and a flurry of driver changes.
Maximilian Gunther has joined DS PENSKE, partnering two-time Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne, after departing Maserati MSG Racing. Though both teams use the Stellantis powertrain, this move marks a fresh chapter for Gunther, who has been in the championship since Season 5. Meanwhile, Stoffel Vandoorne has left DS PENSKE to join Maserati MSG Racing, where he will team up with newcomer Jake Hughes, transitioning to the GEN3 Evo era from NEOM McLaren.
Some teams have opted for stability, retaining their existing driver line-ups from last season. Envision Racing will continue with Robin Frijns and Season 2 champion Sebastien Buemi, while TAG Heuer Porsche remains committed to defending World Champion Pascal Wehrlein and his teammate Antonio Felix da Costa.
Mahindra Racing will keep Edoardo Mortara and Nyck de Vries and Jaguar TCS Racing’s duo, Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy, will return after securing the teams’ title at the Season 10 finale in London.
Andretti has seen a reshuffle, with Season 9 champion Jake Dennis now partnered with Nico Muller, who also became a Porsche works driver during the break. Norman Nato returns to Nissan, reuniting with Oliver Rowland after a year at Andretti.
The season also brings some exciting new faces — rookie Zane Maloney joins Lola Yamaha ABT in their inaugural Formula E season, pairing with Season 3 champion Lucas di Grassi.
NEOM McLaren welcomes back Taylor Barnard, who filled in last season and who embarks on his first full campaign alongside series veteran Sam Bird.
Newly rebranded Kiro Race Co. is the only team yet to confirm its driver line-up, with an announcement expected soon.
