Formula E has made history with their inaugural all-women test session set for Madrid on November 8th – making history within motorsport! Participants will get to test drive Gen3 Evo cars that will be used during Season 11 racing season and shine a spotlight on female talent within this field dominated by male racers.
Floodwaters in Valencia forced organizers to relocate the event to Circuito del Jarama in Madrid, adding an unexpected element. Teams taking part are mandated to include at least one female driver during testing – although teams are encouraged to enlist two if possible – along with media activities aimed at creating an inclusive paddock atmosphere and an exciting Girls on Track event with 400 local young women eager to experience motorsport first-hand.
Teams and Their Talented Drivers
The response from the teams has been enthusiastic, with several notable selections announced. Andretti has brought on board Chloe Chambers and Nerea Marti, both of whom compete in the F1 Academy with Campos, while McLaren has opted for Ella Lloyd and Bianca Bustamante to represent them on the track. Envision has selected Alisha Palmowski and Alice Powell, highlighting the depth of talent across different racing categories.
Further contributions to the lineup include Tatiana Calderon and Carrie Schreiner from Maserati, Marta Garcia and Gabriela Jilkova for Porsche, and an exciting duo of Abbi Pulling and Sophia Floersch chosen by Nissan. DS Penske steps into the fold with Beitske Visser and Jess Edgar, whereas Jaguar ups the ante with Jamie Chadwick and Lilou Wadoux, showcasing a blend of experience and emerging talent.
Selective Teams
Though most teams emphasize inclusion, some have taken an individual representation approach: Lola Racing has chosen Miki Koyama from Lola as its representative while Mahindra relies heavily on Lena Buehler from Mahindra and Kiro Race Co employs Simona De Silvestro from Kiro Race Co; all these teams bring diverse backgrounds of participants into play during each race season.
FE Women’s Test: The Lineups at a Glance
- Andretti: Chloe Chambers & Nerea Marti
- McLaren: Ella Lloyd & Bianca Bustamante
- Envision: Alisha Palmowski & Alice Powell
- Maserati: Tatiana Calderon & Carrie Schreiner
- Porsche: Marta Garcia & Gabriela Jilkova
- Nissan: Abbi Pulling & Sophia Floersch
- DS Penske: Beitske Visser & Jess Edgar
- Lola: Miki Koyama
- Mahindra: Lena Buehler
- Race Kiro Co: Simona De Silvestro
- Jaguar: Jamie Chadwick & Lilou Wadoux
Formula E has made great efforts to promote gender diversity within its ranks and become an example for female racers everywhere. Anticipation for this historic session among motorsport fans worldwide is palpable as we wait in anticipation for what promises to be an inspiring display of skill, determination, and groundbreaking achievements from female competitors worldwide.