Last week we reported that ex-Red Bull F1 driver Daniil Kvyat would participate in the Formula E rookie test in Berlin next week. But, unsurprisingly, he’s not the only big name participating, and there’s a whole bunch of names you might recognise.
Following the double-header this weekend in Berlin, the rookie drivers will get two three-hour sessions on Monday April 24. This will be the first rookie test featuring the Gen3 cars, and the test is exclusively for drivers with no previous experience in driving a Formula E car on track.
The last rookie test was in 2020 (which feels like a lifetime ago), and several drivers from that test have made the step up to full-time racing in Formula E: Nick Cassidy, Sergio Sette Camara, and Jake Hughes, to name a few.
But who are the drivers to look out for? We’re glad you asked – look no further.
JACK AITKEN
So much to say about Jack, yet not enough words! He’s currently competing in the IMSA SportsCar and DTM championships but will make his Formula E debut with Envision Racing. Talking of debuts, he raced in F1 during the 2020 Sakhir GP, replacing George Russell. He’s a guy who has succeeded in multiple motorsport series – so we’re excited to see where he could end up next!
ZANE MALONEY
There had to be at least one Red Bull junior on this list, right? They are everywhere! Maloney is currently competing in Formula 2 after narrowly missing out on the F3 title last season. He had a somewhat tricky start to the season, but has started to bounce back. He will be making his Formula E bow with Andretti.
VICTOR MARTINS
Reigning Formula 3 champion and currently competing in the Formula 2 series, Martins will be testing with the Nissan Formula E Team. He was the clear favourite for the F3 title in 2022, and even from the opening rounds, you could tell he looked well-placed to deliver on that. He’s a member of the Alpine Driver Academy and is definitely a star of the future.
FELIPE DRUGOVICH
A 2022 Formula 2 champion and current reserve driver for both Aston Martin and McLaren – not bad, huh? Felipe will complete the test for Maserati MSG Racing. He had his first experience behind the wheel of an F1 car in November 2022, taking part in FP1 at Abu Dhabi at the end of the F1 season for Aston. He also took part in F1 testing at the start of 2023, standing in for Lance Stroll. An incredible talent, and if F1 won’t have him – we’re sure Formula E will!
DANIIL KVYAT
He probably needs absolutely no introduction. Former Red Bull and Toro Rosso F1 driver Kvyat will make his Formula E debut with the NIO 333 team. He’s currently competing in the LMP2 category of the World Endurance Championship for Prema, the ace single-seater outfit, and has recently been announced as part of the Lamborghini LMDh sportscar project – with Romain Grosjean among his fellow drivers there. Kvyat’s been dabbling in a few motorsport series recently by also making his NASCAR debut and is set to make three more appearances this year.
LINUS LUNDQVIST
Another reigning champion, but this time in Indy Lights (or Indy NXT as it’s now known), Linus will test for Andretti in the rookie test. He has a quite an impressive junior career, including winning the BRDC British Formula 3 championship in 2018 and winning on his Indy Lights debut in 2021.
INDY LIGHTS CHAMPION!!! WE DID IT! pic.twitter.com/NvqogIFSQd
— Linus Lundqvist (@L_Lundqvist76) September 10, 2022
Here is the full list of those participating:
MASERATI MSG RACING:
Felipe Drugovich
Hugh Garter
NEOM MCLAREN FORMULA E TEAM:
Charlie Eastwood
Luke Browning
AVALANCHE ANDRETTI FORMULA E:
Zane Maloney
Linus Lundqvist
ENVISION RACING:
Jack Aitken
Jonny Edgar
JAGUAR TCS RACING:
Simon Evans
Sheldon van der Linde
MAHINDRA RACING:
Jordan King
Roberto Merhi
Jehan Daruvala
TAG HEUER PORSCHE FORMULA E TEAM:
Yifei Ye
David Beckmann
NISSAN FORMULA E TEAM:
Luca Ghiotto
Victor Martins
NIO333 RACING FE TEAM:
Daniil Kvyat
Mikel Azcona
ABT CUPRA FORMULA E TEAM:
Tim Tramnitz
Adrien Tambay
DS PENSKE:
Robert Shwartzman
Will Stevens
Are there any names you think should get a Formula E seat?
