Formula E is making history with its first-ever all-female driver test, scheduled for November 7 at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo Circuit. Leading the lineup are seasoned drivers Jamie Chadwick and Simona de Silvestro, who will take the wheel for Jaguar TCS Racing and Kiro Race Co., respectively. This significant event is set to showcase top female talent in motorsport and aims to inspire future generations of drivers.
For de Silvestro, it’s a return to familiar ground in Formula E, having last raced in the series with Andretti during the 2015-16 season. The Swiss driver has since spent five years as a test and development driver for Porsche, which now supplies powertrains to Kiro Race Co. as it makes its debut season. “I’m thrilled to join Kiro Race Co for the Formula E Women’s Test,” said de Silvestro. “It’s a great opportunity to work with a new team and contribute to their development.”
Kiro Race Co. COO Russell O’Hagan praised de Silvestro’s experience, noting that her participation would be invaluable in the team’s preparations. “Her vast experience and proven track record make Simona the perfect addition to our driver lineup,” O’Hagan stated.
Chadwick, meanwhile, returns to Formula E for the first time since her 2020 test for NIO and Jaguar in Marrakesh, having also demonstrated a GEN3 car at last season’s Portland E-Prix. The British driver expressed her excitement: “I’m very excited to be back working with Jaguar TCS Racing. Formula E is such an exciting, future-facing championship, and I’m really looking forward to testing out the Jaguar I-TYPE 7.”
Joining Chadwick at Jaguar will be Lilou Wadoux, an experienced sports car racer who has competed in IMSA’s LMP2 category and Japan’s Super GT series. Wadoux will be making her Formula E debut and relishes the opportunity: “This test is an amazing opportunity for me to get involved in the sport, one that is so well known for inspiring the next generation.”
Mahindra Racing announced that Lena Buehler will represent the team, while Lola-Yamaha Abt will field Miki Koyama. Buehler shared her excitement for the test and her eagerness to learn: “The goal is to learn as much as possible, both in and out of the car, and make sure I’m spending time with the team.”
Full Formula E Female Driver Test Lineup:
- Jaguar TCS Racing: Jamie Chadwick, Lilou Wadoux
- TAG Heuer Porsche: Marta Garcia, Gabriella Jilkova
- DS Penske: Jess Edgar, Beitske Visser
- Nissan Formula E Team: Abbi Pulling, Sophia Floersch
- Andretti Formula E: Chloe Chambers, Nerea Marti
- Envision Racing: Alisha Palmowski, Alice Powell
- NEOM McLaren: Ella Lloyd, Bianca Bustamante
- Maserati MSG Racing: Tatiana Calderon, Carrie Schreiner
- Lola-Yamaha Abt: Miki Koyama
- Mahindra Racing: Lena Buehler
- Kiro Race Co.: Simona de Silvestro
This landmark test brings together a talented lineup of women, from rising stars to experienced racers, providing them a unique platform to showcase their skills on the global Formula E stage.
