Formula E announces first all-female test

Formula E has announced an exclusive test session for female drivers taking place on Thursday 7^th November at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia.

The day will form part of Formula E’s wider pre-season testing schedule for the upcoming 2024/25 season, the first for the new Gen3 Evo cars.

All eleven Formula E teams will run at least one woman during the half-day session in their current cars to provide some useful experience for many of the world’s most talented female drivers.

Alongside driving responsibilities these drivers will also be attending several press events aimed at raising both their own profiles, but also providing content designed to inspire younger audiences with dreams of getting involved in motorsport.

This test forms a major part of Formula E’s strategy to tackle inequality in motorsport and expand opportunities for women within its own championship. Formula E has featured three female drivers in its history, Katherine Legge, Michela Cerruti and Simona de Silvestro.

Drivers set to take part will be announced in due course by each of their respective teams.

Jeff Dodds, Formula E CEO said: “We know there isn’t a simple solution for greater diversity in motorsport. If we’re going to truly give women equality, opportunity and visibility in our series, however, conditions for all need to be the same to aid their development and test themselves against those already on the starting grid.

“Unlike other series where women drivers have to use old or restricted machinery, they’ll be using the state-of-the-art Gen3 Evo car that accelerates 30% faster than an F1 car, just as our Championship drivers do.

“We also recognise that one test will not solve the longstanding issue, but we have to start somewhere, knowing there is a long way to go and making sure we’re making proactive, consistent steps that continue to make forward progress. As a motorsport with an almost-equal split of male and female fans, as well within Formula E including my Exec and Director teams, we believe it’s only right that our drivers and wider ecosystem is representative of those that follow and support the sport.”

Season 11 of the Formula E World Championship gets underway in Sao Paulo on 7th December.