Formula E has announced a Rookie Free Practice session for the upcoming Jeddah EPrix weekend, who have not raced in the series.

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will introduce a Rookie Free Practice session as part of the Jeddah E-Prix, specifically designed for drivers who have never raced in the Championship. The 40-minute session, scheduled for Thursday, 13 February from 16:00 to 16:40, will provide experienced racing talent from other motorsport championships valuable track time to discover the new, groundbreaking technology of Formula E’s GEN3 Evo car.

Key Features:

  • Exclusively for Rookies: Open to experienced racing drivers from other series, with a Free Practice Only e-Licence.
  • GEN3 Evo Experience: Offers hands-on experience with the latest Formula E technology, capable of 0-100km/h in 1.82s – 30% faster than a current F1 car.
  • Clearer Pathways: Supports Formula E and the FIA’s commitment to developing future motorsport talent.

Teams must nominate a driver and allocate a race car number seven days prior to the event, meaning the exciting line-up will be revealed in the next coming weeks. This initiative follows the successful inaugural Women’s Test in Madrid in October, and further emphasises Formula E and the FIA’s dedication to creating diverse and inclusive pathways for the next generation of racing drivers.

Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer, Formula E, said: “Following on from the success of our Official Women’s Test in November, we’re thrilled to introduce this dedicated Rookie Free Practice session at the Jeddah E-Prix.

“It’s a crucial next-step in fulfilling our commitment to nurturing the next generation of racing talent, including young women. This opportunity to drive the cutting-edge GEN3 Evo car will provide invaluable experience for these young drivers, and we believe it will significantly contribute to developing the future stars of Formula E and motorsport as a whole.”

Pablo Martino, Head of Formula E Championship, FIA, said: “It’s crucial for the FIA to allow drivers to develop their careers through FIA World Championships, and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has one of the most competitive grids around.

“Many of its current stars gained their first Formula E experience in one of these rookie sessions or tests, and to provide such opportunities for the next generation of promising talents to discover the specifics of Formula E and EV racing – and adapt their driving style accordingly – is essential for the championship’s continuing growth.”

[The story is as per press release]