Oct 30, 2025 | Formula E
What is the proposal?
Formula E and the FIA are seriously considering a competition element in the annual rookie test. The test will take place at Jarama in March next season. Teams must field two drivers who have not yet driven in a live championship session.
What would it look like?
The plan is to use the current qualifying format as an example. Think group qualifying followed by duel-style face-offs between drivers. The planned six hours of testing time would be partly divided and one part reserved for such a qualifying-like session.
Why is this being proposed?
There are several reasons to consider this. The current six-hour test generates little public interest. Few media stay another day to follow the test. Teams also want to assess rookies in conditions similar to real race stress. Gen3 group racing and driving on temporary street circuits require specific skills. As a result, experience and established drivers weigh heavily. At the same time, there is a growing belief that young talent from Formula 2 and Formula 3 is ready for Gen4.
Nissan's position
Dorian Boisdron, racing director at Nissan, says experience is crucial in Formula E, and he believes teams should bring in new talent for the upcoming Gen4 period. According to him, a qualifying-style test helps assess rookies in a more realistic Formula E context. That makes it easier for teams and drivers to make a choice together.
Backlash from the paddock
Not everyone is enthusiastic. Andretti team boss Roger Griffiths warns that competition may not be the right focus. He points out that many rookies are already competing in F2 or F3. According to Griffiths, the rookie test should primarily be a learning environment. Drivers need to get used to working with manufacturers and engineers. According to him, the competitive tension is better off elsewhere.
Practical implications
If the new set-up comes through, it will mainly change the format of the test day. Teams will have a clearer measuring point for driver performance in qualifying conditions. At the same time, the importance of good set-up and team readiness on that one competitive session may increase.
- Benefits: better assessment of rookies, more realistic race conditions, visibility for talents.
- Cons: Less focus on learning work with engineers, extra pressure on young drivers, possibly more risk of incidents during test.
What happens next?
There are already exploratory talks with teams and manufacturers. A final decision has not yet been made. Jarama is planned as the venue in March. Teams and organisation are keeping the options open and weighing the pros and cons.
Oct 30, 2025 | Formula E
Valencia test in brief
On Friday, Formula E's second female test will take place in Valencia. It is the last chance to put miles on the Gen3Evo cars before the season. In five weeks' time, the season will start in São Paulo. Four teams will field both cars, bringing the test to 14 cars.
Why this test matters
Teams have few test days in Formula E, so every minute on the track is valuable. Nissan, for example, uses the day to refine set-ups and tune parts for the opening race. Abbi Pulling plays a big part in this. She has already worked with Nissan's new simulator at Viry Chatillon and is now helping with the final tests in the car.
Notable participants and backgrounds
The list of participants combines experienced testers with young talent from all kinds of series. Some names to remember:
- Abbi Pulling (Nissan) - topped the first women's test at Jarama last year.
- Jamie Chadwick (Jaguar) - has done several tests for Jaguar and brings a lot of experience.
- Alice Powell (Envision) - an experienced formulation and testing specialist.
- Lindsay Brewer (DS Penske) - raced in Lamborghini Super Trofeo US and drove in Indy NXT last season. She came into the picture through a recommendation and was keen to gain experience in Formula E.
- Marta García (Lola Yamaha Abt) - 2023 F1 Academy champion and familiar with Valencia as her home circuit.
- Juju Noda (Jaguar) - drives in Super Formula and seeks more experience in electric racing technology and engineering.
- Janina Schall and Gabriela Jílková (Porsche) - from GT4 to electric class for test miles.
- Tatiana Calderón (Citroën), Bianca Bustamante (Cupra Kiro), Nerea Martí (Andretti), Chloe Chambers (Mahindra) and others complete the field.
In-depth details per participant
Lindsay Brewer is active in the Lamborghini Cup this season and ranks high in her class. She appreciated the invitation and calls the sustainability and strategy in Formula E positive. Marta García returns after previous testing and wants to get involved in development for next season. Juju Noda expects to learn a lot from the engineers and sees the test as a technical challenge.
Full list of participants
The test includes representatives from 10 teams. Below is the full list of combinations that have been announced:
- Jaguar: Jamie Chadwick / Juju Noda
- Envision: Ella Lloyd / Alice Powell
- Mahindra: Chloe Chambers
- Nissan: Abbi Pulling
- Citroën: Tatiana Calderón
- DS Penske: Jess Edgar / Lindsay Brewer
- Lola Yamaha Abt: Marta García
- Porsche: Gabriela Jílková / Janina Schall
- Andretti: Nerea Martí
- Cupra Kiro: Bianca Bustamante
What this means for sport
The test is more than a driving day. It is a chance for female drivers to gain experience in electric car racing. Teams collect data, improve systems and prepare for São Paulo. For many drivers, it is also a calling card towards a permanent role in the class.
In short, Valencia offers a mix of development, competition and opportunity. The test could open doors for next season.
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