Jordan's Track Talk

Category: 2023

  • Van Der Linde & Evans join Jaguar for Testing

    Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY Champion, Simon Evans joins Sheldon Van Der Linde, in Jaguar TCS Racing’s Rookie Test line-up.

    Simon Evans, elder brother of Mitch Evans, will return to the iconic Tempelhof Circuit where he was crowned Champion of the 2020 Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY race series, three years after an epic ‘lockdown showdown’ finale.

    The 32 year old Kiwi will step into the cockpit of the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 as part of his long-awaited prize for winning the all electrical production based race series.

    I’m incredibly excited to be taking part in the official rookie test for Jaguar TCS Racing. The Jaguar family has always meant a lot to me, and I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. It’s the first time I will have been back to Berlin since I won the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY at the Tempelhof circuit. It’s definitely going to bring back some great memories. I know the track very well but it’s been a long time since I’ve driven a single-seater. I’m going to enjoy myself, while hopefully getting some valuable data for the team.

    Evans on the opportunity.

    South African, Sheldon Van Der Line, will be joining Evans in his Gen3 test debut. The BMW factory driver has raced in DTM for the last four years and is currently 2022 DTM Champion.

    The 23 year old started karting at the age of six, and gained a wealth of experience and won multiple national titles before moving into cars in 2014. Since then, Sheldon has continued his impressive career and seen success in the ADAC Total 24 hour of Nurburgring.

    I’m very proud to be joining Jaguar TCS Racing for my first rookie test in the Jaguar I-TYPE 6. The rookie test is a really great opportunity for young and upcoming drivers to try new motorsport categories and I’m really looking forward to driving the Gen3 race car for the first time. I’ve visited the team in Grove and have been working closely with the engineers to familiarise myself with the simulator, systems and procedures to be best prepared for what’s ahead in Berlin. From what I’ve heard, Formula E is particularly challenging if you’re a rookie, so it will be great to get some valuable experience in the all-electric racing series.

    Van der Linde on the experience.

    The test is an important day for both teams and drivers and I’m very pleased that we have Simon and Sheldon driving the Jaguar I-TYPE 6. It’s an opportunity to give new and upcoming talent a chance and assessment in the GEN3 race car and for us as a team to continue to build valuable data and insight into this new car. Simon has been a stand-out member of the Jaguar family, racing in the Jaguar I-TYPE eTROPHY for two seasons and ultimately becoming champion in a very competitive season. Mitch is also very proud to see his brother have this opportunity. Sheldon’s resume is without question and we are very pleased to have this very talented young driver in one of our cars. We’re looking forward to seeing how he approaches his time with us and his feedback.

    James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal.

  • Kvyat & Azcona for NIO 333 in rookie test

    NIO 333 has selected former Formula 1 driver, Daniil Kvyat and World Touring Car champion Mikel Azcona for the Berlin Rookie Test.

    Kyvat raced in F1 as part of the Red Bull stable for six years between 2014 and 2020 at Scuderia Toro Rosso/ Alpha Tauri and Red Bull Racing, securing three podium finishes.

    Since then, he has made three outings in the NASCAR Cup Series last year, and sits second in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s LMP2 category this season.

    I’m really excited to be trying the Formula E car for the first time ever and with NIO 333 Racing. I think Formula E has proved for many years to be a very competitive, high-level championship, with very interesting environmental goals as well. The racing is very fast, and very competitive. The team has also been making a lot of progress, especially this year, and has room to grow and fight for even stronger positions in the future. It’ll be interesting to see what we can do together at this test.

    Kvyat on the test.

    Spaniard, Mikel Azcona will appear alongside Kvyat in the sister ER9 at the test. The touring car specialist won the WTCR FIA World Touring Car Cup last year, and is a twice European touring car champion in TCR EUrope.

    Azcona also went two seasons competing in the FIA ETCR eTouring Car World Cup, where he was a three-time event winner in the electric touring car series, which featured rear-wheel drive EVs competing at up to 500kW of power.

    It’s a really nice feeling to be at the Rookie Test, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity that NIO 333 has given me. It’s something new for me in my career, and it’s my first time driving a single-seater since 2012. So I really want to improve my skills there, and I really want to learn about this new technology. It’s going to be interesting seeing what I can bring from my time in electric touring car racing, which was also new to me, but where I was very competitive. Some of the technology is similar in theory, but I’m expecting it to be quite something else when I get into the Formula E car.

    Azcona on the opportunity.

  • DS Penske confirm Shwartzman & Stevens

    DS Penske has confirmed Will Stevens and Robert Shwartzman for the Rookie Test on the 24th April.

    Stevens started his career as a European and Asia Pacific Karting champion, through the top junior single seater categories before impressing enough to make it to Formula 1.

    He them moved into sportscars and endurance racing in 2016 – joining the FIA World Endurance Championship’s LMP2 category, where he’s sealed multiple wins and podiums as well as the 2023 title as well as a win at Le Mans.

    I am really happy to be taking in a new challenge in Formula E with DS PENSKE. This is completely different from any other race series I’ve been in, but I am hoping my experience in many other categories will give me a head start as a rookie. I have a sense of what the car is like from the work I have done in the simulator so far and look forward to the challenge ahead. I am curious to try it first hand, especially around such a unique track that is Berlin. Together with some of the best drivers and manufacturers in the world makes it an exciting place to be.

    The 31 year old on the experience.

    Shwartzman is currently a reserve driver for the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team. He started early, at the age of five in karting and up the ladder to Formula E.

    Three wins and 10 podiums saw him take the FIA Formula 3 crown in 2019, and a move to Formula 2 followed, where he finished runner-up in 2021.

    I am thrilled to get the chance to drive a Formula E car, and I thank Jay Penske for giving me this opportunity. This championship is a very interesting, growing platform, it has quite a different approach compared to other racing series but that’s why it’s fascinating. As a driver I’m always keen to be able to gain experience with different cars and this test offers me the chance to try a new kind of single-seater in a year that sees me involved in Formula 1 as third driver and in GT racing as an official driver of Ferrari. To get to do my Formula E debut with the most awarded manufacturer on the grid makes this particularly special. I am also very excited to work alongside this team, who have been very welcoming, and shares with me the will to succeed in every aspect of the sport!

    Shwartzman on the opportunity.

    It is always a special moment for the team to host talented drivers and give them their first taste of Formula E. This event is an amazing opportunity to see how they perform in a Formula E car. I am very excited to have Robert and Will behind the wheel of our GEN3 car, they have both demonstrated their raw speed and racecraft throughout the single-seater categories. Robert is a fierce competitor and Will has impressive technical skills, their mindsets fit perfectly with DS PENSKE and I am glad to have them in the team for this test!

    Jay Penske, Owner and Team Principal of DS PENSKE.

  • Mahindra Racing choose rookies

    Mahindra Racing has confirmed Jehan Daruvala, Jordan King and Roberto Merhi will drive for the team at the Berlin Rookie Test.

    Merhi, who raced for Manor Marussia F1 Team during the 2015 season, joins the Banbury based outfit in Berlin for his first taste of electric motorsport.

    A successful single-seater career saw the Spaniard win races across Formula Renault, Spanish F3, British F4 and Formula 3.5 Euro Series before progressing into Formula One, first as a test driver and then a competing driver.

    Since then, he has advanced into sports cars and endurance racing, finishing third in the Asian Le Mans Series Drivers’ Championship in 2020.

    I’m very happy to make my debut in Formula E with the Rookie Test in Berlin. I would really like to thank Mahindra Racing for trusting me. I will put in all my effort to do a good job for the team. Adapting to a new challenge is exciting and I look forward to it.

    The 32 year old on the test.

    The Berlin test event will be Reserve Driver Jehan Daruvala’s first official outing in the M9Electro, after joining Mahindra Racing at the start of the season. He has since shadowed the teams drivers, Lucas di Grassi and Oliver Rowland in Diriyah and Hyderabad earlier this year.

    The young Indian racer has impressed in recent years competing in FIA Formula 2, scoring multiple wins and podiums, most recently achieving two third-placed finishes during the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix weekend.

    The GEN3 is the fastest Formula E car yet and I’m really excited to be given the chance to drive it in Berlin. My role as Reserve Driver means I have already driven laps in the simulator, and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the M9Electro for real. As an Indian, I’m especially proud to be driving for the only Indian manufacturer on the grid and I’m really grateful to Mahindra Racing for giving me this opportunity.

    Daruvala on the test.

    Formula 1 development driver, Jordan King has been Mahindra Racing’s Simulator and Development Driver since 2021.

    The 29 year old has enjoyed a strong single-seater career, wining the 2013 British F3 Championship and competing in GB2, F2 and IndyCar as well as working with the Manor Marussia and Alpine F1 teams.

    I’m really looking forward to getting in the car and continuing the development work we’ve been doing behind the scenes. It’ll be good to take the weekend’s simulator work straight to the track on Monday morning and carry on the progression and learning. As always, I’m grateful to the team for the opportunity to represent them and I can’t wait to get out there.

    King on the opportunity.

  • Drugovich & Barter to drive for Maserati in Rookie Test

    Maserati MSG Racing has secured reigning FIA Formula 2 champion, Felipe Drugovich and FIA Formula 3 racer, Hugh Barter for the Berlin Rookie Test.

    Felipe Drugovich is one of the most promising young driver on the junior single-seater scene. The Brazilian commenced his professional racing career in 2016 and quickly tasted success by winning MRF Challenge Formula 2000 in the 2017/18 season.

    Felipe secured back to back titles in 2018 by triumphing in Euroformula Open and Spanish Formula 3 and joined Formula 1’s support bill in 2020 by competing in F2.

    In a campaign marked by five wins and 11 podiums, Drugovich dominated the 2022 season to seal the Drivers’ Championship by an impressive 101 point margin over his next nearest rival.

    The 22 year old is currently the Reserve Driver for Aston Martin and McLaren in F1 and most recently represented the former during 2023 pre-season testing in Bahrain.

    I can’t wait to get my first taste of the Maserati Tipo Folgore and Gen3 Formula E in Berlin. Formula E is a category that has always fascinated me, and it will be intriguing to experience the differences of a fully-electric car in comparison to the single-seaters I’ve raced in recent seasons. Knowing that I will be playing an active role in the development of such an iconic brand, in its first season back in World Championship motorsport, is a huge honour. I’m very excited.

    Drugovich on the opportunity.

    Australian-Japanese racer Hugh Barter first sat behind the wheel at the age of six, and after excelling on the go-karting scene, stepped up to single seater in 2021.

    He was runner-up in French F4 after scoring 12 wins and 22 podiums in the series across two seasons and finished as the runner-up in Spanish F4 last season.

    For 2023 he joined the F1 support bill, by making his competitive debut in FIA Formula 3, driving for Campos Racing.

    I would like to thank Maserati MSG Racing for giving me the opportunity to experience Formula E for the very first time. I’ve really enjoyed my experience in the sim so far and I can’t wait to get out on the track in Berlin. Working closely with James, Edo and Max will be an invaluable learning experience for me, especially at this stage of my career.

    Barter on his first experience of Formula E.

    We’re delighted to welcome Felipe [Drugovich] and Hugh [Barter] to the team for our rookie test in Berlin. It provides a key chance for the next generation of racing talent to experience electric motorsport for the first time. In Felipe and Hugh, we’ll have a driver line-up formed from experience and youth. We can’t wait for them to take to the track in the GEN3 car in Berlin.

    James Rossiter, Team Principal Maserati MSG Racing.

  • ABT Cupra confirm Tramnitz & Tambay for rookie test

    Adrien Tambay and Tim Tramnitz will join ABT Cupra for the Formula E Rookie Test in Berlin next Monday, 24th April.

    Tambay, the reigning champion of ETCR from France and German Tramnitz, who is only 18 years old, will get the chance to get to know the third generation of the purely electric single-seater on the track in Berlin for one day.

    Both drivers have already familiarised themselves with the circuit in the simulator in Kempten.

    We’re looking forward to spending the day together with these two guys. The aim is for them to have fun, get to know Formula E and at the same time gather data that will help our engineers prepare for the second half of the season. Adrien, who previously competed for ABT in the DTM, returns for a day as a seasoned champion in CUPRA colors. And Tim has often proven his talent as a supported driver of the ADAC Sports Foundation – now I’m excited about the Formula E test.

    ABT CEO and Team Principal, Thomas Biermaier.

    Tambay completed a total of 66 DTM races for ABT between 2012 and 2015 and celebrated the title in the ETCR electric touring car championship with CUPRA last year.

    It’s a great feeling to work with the guys again and see a lot of familiar faces. After successful years in touring cars, it’s also exciting to be back in a single-seater, continuing my journey with CUPRA. I’m delighted to have the trust of ABT and CUPRA and will do my best to support the team in their comeback year.

    Tambay on his opportunity.

    Tramnitz is a Motorsport Team Germany supported squad driver and has been part of the ADAC Sports Foundation squad for six years, including finishing runner-up in the Italian and German Formula 4 championships in 2021.

    I am really looking forward to the rookie test in Berlin. For the opportunity I would like to thank ABT CUPRA especially. The test came about at short notice through the mediation of the ADAC Sports Foundation with Motorsport Team Germany. Together with the ABT team, the foundation is helping me to get to Berlin on Sunday evening after my race in the Formula Regional European Championship in Imola, so that I am ready for action on Monday morning. To be able to gain initial experience in a Formula E race car with such a professional and experienced team as ABT CUPRA is a great opportunity and a special challenge for me.

    Tim Tramnitz on the rookie test.

  • McLaren confirm rookie test drivers

    NEOM McLaren will field Charlie Eastwood and Luke Browning at the official Rookie Test in Berlin on the 24th April.

    Eastwood, from Belfast has built an impressive resume over the past 10 years predominantly in GT and Endurance competition.

    During this time, he became the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britian champion, 2019 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup (Pro-Am) champion and won the European Le Mans Series – LMP2 Pro-AM in 2022, as well as the Asian Le Mans Series – LMP2 earlier this year. He has also held several reserve and development driver roles.

    I’m absolutely buzzing to drive the GEN3 car at the Berlin Rookie Test. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend some of the races earlier this season, and I really like the championship. I love the complexity of the series, as well as the car itself. I’ve had a taste of it on the simulator and I am sure there will be a lot to learn on the day. I’m super excited and can’t wait to work with the team.

    Eastwood on the test.

    Luke Browning, from Kingsley in the UK, is the 2022 Autosport BRDC Award winner. Looking at his short career so far, Browning grabbed the F4 British Championship in 2020.

    The following year he took part in the ADAC Formula 4 Championship and the Drexler Automotive Formula 4 Cup where he finished 3rd in both. In 2022 the 21 year old took part in the GB3 Championship and ended up winning the Championship.

    Now in 2023, he is competing in his first season of FIA Formula 3 Championship where he currently sits 10th after two rounds.

    I’m really looking forward to be jumping into the NEOM McLaren Formula E car. I’m grateful for the opportunity to gain some experience in very different machinery than usual. I’ll be looking to pick up as much as I can from the successful and experienced team I will be surrounded by. It will be a different style of driving compared to what I’m used to – I don’t doubt I have a lot to learn, but I’m eager to pick it up as quickly as possible. I’m really looking forward to the 24th!

    Browning on the opportunity.

    I am happy to be able to host an official rookie test again this season. It is a good way for us as teams to give talent the opportunity to get a taste of the Gen3 machinery, while being able to evaluate them at the same time. Our line-up is an exciting combination of Charlie, who we’ve been working closely together with for a while now, and Luke, who is an emerging talent. It will be great to see both of them out on track. It’s good to see significant interest in the series, from both up-and-coming talent, as well as established drivers.

    Ian James, Team Principal.

  • Edgar joins Aitken at Envision for rookie test

    FIA Formula 3 driver, Jonny Edgar will join Envision Racing at the Berlin Rookie Test, 24th April completing an all British pairing at the team.

    The talented teenage is currently competing in his third Formula 3 season, having joined the Dutch outfit MP Motorsport ahead of the 2023 Championship.

    The Cumbria native has already gained a wealth of experience across single-seater disciplines. After becoming the European CIK-FIA champion in karting, Edgar raced in Italian F4 in 2019 before winning the German F4 title in 2020.

    Consistent point finishes in successive F4 seasons, with Carlin Buzz Racing and Trident saw MP sign him up for one of their seats ahead of the start of this year’s championship.

    I’m thrilled to be driving for Envision Racing in the Formula E rookie test in Berlin. Formula E is a championship all professional drivers aspire to be in and I’m very thankful to Envision for this opportunity. The team have been very welcoming and I’m very much looking forward to getting on track.

    Edgar on the opportunity.

    We are very pleased to be welcoming Jonny Edgar to Envision Racing for the upcoming rookie test in Berlin. Jonny has a very impressive motorsport CV at such a young age, and we are very excited to see him step into our GEN3 car. The test will give him his first taste of Formula E, whilst also providing our team with valuable data for the remaining races.

    Sylvain Filippi, Managing Director & Chief Technical Officer.

  • Nissan announce rookie test drivers

    Nissan will be giving reigning FIA Formula 3 champion, Victor Martins and multiple Formula 2 race-winner Luca Ghiotto a seat at this month’s rookie test in Berlin on 24th April.

    Ghiotto will be taking to the Tempelhof Airport Circuit, with the former GB3 Series runner up also confirmed as simulator driver.

    The 28 year old has been working in the team’s simulator since the start of the current Formula E season and has a strong racing CV, including six wins in F2.

    I’m really excited to be part of the Nissan Formula E Team, in such an incredible championship. Nissan is a massive brand, which makes this even more special. I can’t wait to feel a Formula E car in real life for the first time. My job as simulator driver is to help the team by testing different settings and programs, as the on-track time in Formula E is quite limited, meaning our data from the simulator can be really important during race weekends. The Rookie Test will definitely aid my work at the factory, as I’ll have a reference and understanding of how the real car feels. So, on top of it being an exciting opportunity for me, it will also help for the next time I’m in the virtual world. The Berlin track looks really fun. I’ve driven it on the simulator and I’m looking forward to getting out there and experiencing it.

    Ghiotto on the test.

    Frenchman Martins is apart of the Alpine Academy – BWT Alpine F1 Team’s young driver program and has already grabbed two podiums and a pole position across the first 3 round of his debut F2 season.

    The 21 year old has impressed many during his junior career, winning the Formula Renault Eurocup title in 2020, before moving up to Formula 3, where he took the 2022 crown.

    It’s a huge honor to be selected for the Rookie Test with Nissan. The team has a close relationship with the Alpine Academy, which I’m a part of, and it’s a great chance for me to experience a Formula E car for the first time. I’ve already been in the simulator and found it really interesting. There’s a lot to learn and I have to use a different style of driving. It’s a great opportunity to keep expanding my skillset across different cars, and I’m excited to give it a try. I’ll look to make the most of the test and learn as much as I can from the team and my time on track.

    Martins on the opportunity.

    We’re really pleased to have Luca on board. He’s been working in the simulator since the beginning of the season so it made sense to give him an opportunity in the car. This will be valuable for the team as the test will benefit Luca in the simulator and give him plenty of experience to help us develop our performance. Victor is a young and promising driver, and we’re pleased to be using our connections with the Alpine Academy and the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. It’s great for the championship to be attracting rising stars like him. He’s making his F2 debut this year and is showing strong signs, so it was a natural choice for us to offer him a chance in the Nissan e-4ORCE 04.

    Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director and Team Principal.

  • Penalty Points

    Formula 1’s penalty points system is designed to punish drivers for on-track misdemeanours, with 12 points on their Super Licence within a 12 month period resulting in a race ban.

    Seeing as we are now three races in and have a few weeks break until the fourth race, lets see how the 20 drivers sit.

    10 points-

    Pierre Gasly

    • Two points: Expire 22nd May 2023. Causing a collision with Lance Stroll during Spanish Grand Prix.
    • Two points: Expire 10th July 2023. Causing a collision with Sebastian Vettel during the Austrian Grand Prix.
    • One point: Expire 10th July 2023. Exceeding track limits during the Austrian Grand Prix.
    • Two points: Expire 9th October 2023. Speeding under red-flag conditions at the Japanese Grand Prix.
    • Two points: Expire 23rd October 2023. For falling more than 10 car lengths behind the car in front during Safety Car period at the United States Grand Prix.
    • One point: Expire 30th October 2023. For forcing Lance Stroll off the track and gaining an advantage at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

    Six points

    Fernando Alonso

    • Two points: Expire 8th May 2023. For causing a collision with Pierre Gasly during the Miami Grand Prix.
    • One point: Expires 8th May 2023. For cutting the track and gaining a lasting advantage during the Miami Grand Prix.
    • One point: Expires 19th June 2023. For weaving whilst defending during the Canadian Grand Prix.
    • Two points: Expires 12th November 2023. For causing a collision with Esteban Ocon during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

    Five points-

    Alex Albon

    • One point: Expires 22nd May 2023. For exceeding track limits during the Spanish Grand Prix.
    • One point: Expires 29th May 2023. For gaining a lasting advantage by leaving the track during the Monaco Grand Prix.
    • Two points: Expires 9th July 2023. For forcing Lando Norris off the track during the Austrian Grand Prix.
    • One point: Expires 23rd October 2023. For going off track and holding onto position during the United States Grand Prix.

    Lance Stroll

    • Two points: Expires 23rd October 2023. For causing a collision with Fernando Alonso during the United States Grand Prix.
    • Three points: Expires 12th November 2023. For a dangerous manoeuvre on Sebastian Vettel during the sprint at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

    Four points-

    George Russell

    • Two points: Expires 10th July 2023. For causing a collision with Segio Perez during the Austrian Grand Prix.
    • Two points: Expires 23rd October 2023. For causing a collision with Carlos Sainz during the United States Grand Prix.

    Yuki Tsunoda

    • Two points: Expires 3rd July 2023. For causing a collision with Pierre Gasly during the British Grand Prix.
    • Two points: Expires 9th September 2023. For failing to slow for yellow flags during FP2 for the Italian Grand Prix.

    Three points-

    Esteban Ocon

    • One point: Expires 29th May 2023. For causing a collision with Lewis Hamilton during the Monaco Grand Prix.
    • Two points: Expires 23rd July 2023. For causing a collision with Yuki Tsunoda during the French Grand Prix.

    Kevin Magnussen

    • Two points: Expire 8th May 2023. For causing a collision with Lance Stroll during the Miami Grand Prix.
    • One point: Expires 11th September 2023. For overtaking by leaving the track during the Italian Grand Prix.

    Lando Norris

    • One point: Expires 10th July 2023. For exceeding track limits during the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix.
    • Two points: Expires 13th November 2023. For causing a collision with Charles Leclerc during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

    Zhou Guanyu

    • One point: Expires 10th July 2023. For exceeding track limits during the Austrian Grand Prix.
    • Two points: Expires 23rd July 2023. For causing a collision with Mick Schumacher during the French Grand Prix.

    Sergio Perez

    • Two points: Expire 2nd October 2023. For failing to stay within 10 car lengths of the Safety Car at the Singapore Grand Prix.

    Carlos Sainz

    • Two points: Expire 2nd April 2024. For causing a collision with Fernando Alonso during the Australian Grand Prix.

    Max Verstappen

    • Two points: Expire 13th November 2023. For causing a collision with Lewis Hamilton at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

    One point-

    Charles Leclerc

    • One point: Expires 9th October 2023. For leaving the track and gaining an advantage during the Japanese Grand Prix.

    Zero points-

    Lewis Hamilton

    Valtteri Bottas

    Oscar Piastri

    Logan Sargeant

    Nyck de Vries

  • Maloney & Lundqvist to drive for Andretti

    Avalanche Andretti Formula E have announced their line-up for the rookie test in Berlin. Representing Andretti will be Formula 2 driver and Red Bull Junior and Reserve driver, Zane Maloney and reigning INDY NXT Champion, Linus Lundqvist.

    The duo will hit the Tempelhof Street Circuit to gather crucial data for Andretti, whilst gaining their first experience of Formula E. Maloney is “very excited” to have been invited to the test and is incredibly grateful to Andretti for making it possible, with him set to “learn as much as I can”.

    Maloney has come on leaps and bounds the past few years, last year he competed in FIA Formula 3 and finished 2nd in his rookie season, he then took the jump up to Formula 2 this year and so far has scored 29 points.

    I’m very excited to be part of the Berlin Rookie Test with Avalanche Andretti Formula E. Driving in Formula E is going to be a new experience for me so I’m very grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank everyone at Andretti for making this possible. I will be trying to learn as much as I can during this test and gain some beneficial experience in the GEN3 car.

    Maloney on the rookie test.

    Since winning the INDY NXT Championship last season, Lundqvist has tested an IndyCar at Texas Motor Speedway, as he continues to search for his next move. The Swiss driver is incredibly talented and has won four titles since 2016, making it understandable on why Andretti has picked Lundqvist.

    Like Maloney, Lundqvist is very excited to get a chance in the new Gen3 car and experience a new series with the Swiss driver now focused on “doing my best to be as prepared as possible”.

    Big thanks to Michael Andretti, JF Thormann, Roger Griffiths and everyone at Andretti for this amazing opportunity. I’m super excited and grateful for the occasion. It will be great to experience a completely new car and series that I’ve not driven in before. I know it’s going to be very different to anything I’ve done before, but I’m doing my best to be as prepared as possible to have a successful test with the Avalanche Andretti Formula E team. I can’t wait to get going!

    Lundqvist on the rookie test.

    The Avalanche Andretti Formula E team are very much looking forward to having both Zane and Linus join us for the Berlin Rookie Test after the doubleheader 2023 Sabic Berlin E-Prix. Both drivers have shown themselves to be highly competitive in their relative endeavors and represent some exciting new talent. Having the rookie test is fundamentally important for raising the potential and possibility of bringing new driver talent to the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. Formula E has fast gained status within the motorsport world as being a very competitive Championship and that makes it very attractive to up-and-coming drivers. It makes sense to have the test at the iconic Berlin-Tempelhof circuit immediately after the race weekend as we will have gathered a lot of data to be able support both drivers with. Zane and Linus will be with us for the duration of the race weekend, so we’re looking forward to integrating them into the team so they can understand how we both prepare for and operate over a race weekend.

    Roger Griffiths, Team Principal.

  • Ferrari have petitioned for a right of review from Australia

    Ferrari have sent a petition to the FIA with the hope of securing a right of review regarding the penalty handed out to Carlos Sainz during the Australian Grand Prix, team boss Frederic Vasseur has revealed.

    Sainz tipped Aston Martin rival, Fernando Alonso into a spin during a dramatic late restart at Albert Park, which also saw Logan Sargeant run into the back of Nyck de Vries and the Alpines of Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon come to blows.

    While the order was reset to the previous restart ahead of a final lap to the chequered flag behind the Safety Car, news of a five-second time penalty came through for Sainz, prompting a string of frustrated messages from the Spaniard over the radio.

    Sainz initially crossed the line 4th, but with the 5 second time penalty he dropped down to 12th.

    We did a petition for a review of the case – we sent it to the FIA. As we are discussing with the FIA… I don’t want to discuss any details of this discussion. The only thing is [the] Gasly/Ocon [collision], for sure we had also Sargeant/De Vries [colliding] into Turn 1, and the reaction of the stewards was not the same. The process is that first they will have a look on our petition to see if they can re-open the case, then we’ll have a second hearing a bit later with the same stewards for the next meeting, about the decision itself. What we can expect is at least to have an open discussion with them, also for the good of the sport to avoid to have these kind of decisions when you have three cases on the same corner and not the same decision.

    Vasseur on Thursday.

    As per Article 14 of the FIA’s International Sporting Code, the competitors can request a right of review up to 14 days after a ruling from the stewards if “a significant and relevant new element is discovered which was unavailable to the parties seeking the review at the time of the decision concerned”.

    It could be [at the next race] in Baku or it could be before, but [we] prefer to do it before. You have 14 days to do the petition, the request for review, then it’s up to them to decide. They have to do it in a short period, [but] it’s true for once that we have four weeks between the two races [in Australia and Azerbaijan] and it’s a bit more flexible. We have our argumentation, for sure, and I will keep the argumentation for the FIA, as a first step. For sure, we are expecting [a] review of the situation, because it’s a petition for a review. We are not going there to get the same decision.

    Vasseur continued.

  • Aitken to drive for Envision, in the Rookie Test

    Envision Racing have confirmed that former reserve driver for Williams, Jack Aitken will be completing the test in one of the teams car at the Tempelhof Street Circuit.

    The rookie test is taking place a day after round eight of the 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Berlin, with twenty-two drivers set to get their first experience of the series.

    Aitken, will be one of the more experienced rookies; however, it will be the former Williams Racing driver’s first taste of Formula E.

    The 27 year old, will head into the test on the back of winning the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring, where he partnered former Formula E driver Alexander Sims and Pipo Derani. The British-South Korean driver is “really excited” to hit the track in Berlin and help build on the team’s “great start” to the Gen3 era.

    I’m really excited to be Envision Racing’s rookie driver. It’s a great opportunity for me to get behind the wheel of a Formula E car for the first time – the new Gen3 model looks like a lot of fun to drive. I can’t wait for the opportunity to experience that for myself in Berlin and assist the team with their work as they keep building on what has already been a great start to the season.

    Aitken on driving in the rookie test.

    We are delighted to welcome Jack Aitken to Envision Racing for the official rookie test day in Berlin. Jack has a wealth of talent and experience, and we are very excited that he will be getting his first taste of Formula E with our team. The test day will be hugely beneficial to him as a driver and for us to gather more crucial data for the season ahead.

    Team Principal, Sylvain Filippi.

  • Porsche announce drivers for rookie test

    Constructors’ Championship leaders, TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team have announced their full driver line-up for this month’s Formula E rookie test, which will take place a day after the Berlin E-Prix.

    Completing the test for Porsche will be 22 year old Chinese driver, Yifei Ye, who is set to compete in this season’s FIA World Endurance Championship in a customer Porsche 963 hybrid prototype for Hertz Team JOTA.

    Ye does have some experience in single-seater racing but his career nowadays is spent almost entirely in sportscars, with his most recent appearance in a single seater having been in 2020, when he won the Euroformula Open Championship.

    Since the end of 2021, Ye has been a fully supported Porsche driver and is Porsche Motorsport’s Asia Pacific Selected Driver, highlighting the potential the German manufacturer see in him. Despite this, the young Chinese driver is very much looking forward to driving a Formula E car.

    I’ve always wanted to drive a Formula E car and I’m grateful that Porsche is giving me that opportunity. For me, this is an interesting new challenge that I’m really excited to get stuck into. Beforehand, I’ll follow the races in Berlin closely from the pits and try to learn as much as possible from António and Pascal. That will definitely help me to familiarise myself with the Porsche 99X Electric as quickly as possible. With Porsche, I’m concentrating on the WEC for now. But I’m still young and can certainly imagine contesting Formula E races one day. Electric motorsport has a bright future.

    Ye on the opportunity.

    Also completing the rookie test for the German manufacturer is former Formula 2 driver, David Beckmann who is also set to compete at the Jakarta E-Prix.

    Beckmann is Porsche’s official reserve and test driver this season in the all-electric series, with him having the same role for Avalanche Andretti Formula E in Season Eight.

    Following his time driving for Porsche in Berlin, Beckmann is expected to compete in the Jakarta double header for Andretti, with the German filling in for Andre Lotterer who has commitments in the WEC that weekend.

    Being able to drive the Porsche 99X Electric in Berlin just a few days before my birthday is a great present. For me, it’s a fantastic experience to enter the new era of Formula E with Porsche this season. I already got the chance to drive the new Porsche 99X Electric on the racetrack at the official Formula E test in Calafat. It was very impressive. I’m really looking forward to the rookie test and getting to know our car even better. Of course, I also hope to be able to share some useful insights with my team.

    Beckmann on the test.

    The rookie test is a great opportunity to show young drivers what Formula E is all about. It’s also about familiarising them with our Porsche 99X Electric, which is a very complex racing car and not easy to drive. For rookies coming into Formula E, the test offers them a good chance to experience what they’ll come up against in this racing series. As a team, we want to use this event to introduce young drivers to Formula E and see how they perform in a Formula E car. David has already tested for us. Now we’re looking forward to seeing how well Yifei gets on with our Porsche 99X Electric.

    Team Principal, Florian Modlinger.

  • F3 – RND 2 – Day 2 & 3

    Day 2-

    Franco Colapinto was victorious in an event-filled Sprint Race, winning from P6 on the grid. The MP Motorsport driver put an impressive move on pole-sitter Sebastian Montoya at Turn 9 to take the lead early on.

    Zak O’Sullivan made a late-race pass on reverse pole-sitter Montoya to take second. The Hitech Pulse-Eight driver held on for a podium in third as the race ended under the Safety Car.

    But after the race was complete, Franco Colapinto lost the Melbourne Sprint Race victory following a post-race inspection found a technical infringement on his car.

    Pieces of bodywork were found to be outside of the regulatory limits, contravening Articles 1.2 and 2.5 of the Technical Regulations. Modifications to the geometry of the parts in question are prohibited by the rules outside of basic repairs.

    MP Motorsport drivers, Mari Boya and Jonny Edgar have also been disqualified from the race for the same technical infringement as was found on Colapinto’s car.

    It means that PREMA Racing’s Zak O’Sullivan inherits the victory, promoting Hitech Pulse-Eight’s Sebastian Montoya to 2nd and Paul Aron to 3rd.

    The full top 10 after the disqualifications are: P1: Sullivan, P2: Montoya, P3: Aron, P4: Mini, P5: Beganovic, P6: Bortoleto, P7: Fornaroli, P8: Saucy, P9: Mansell and P10: Frederick.

    Day 3-

    Gabriel Bortoleto made it two Feature Race wins in Formula 3 out of two, keeping Gregoire Saucy at bay for his second victory of the year. The Trident driver led every lap from pole position, leading through two safety car restarts in what was a measured performance.

    Saucy was on the podium for ART Grand Prix for the first time this season in second, finishing just 0.5s down on the winner. Gabriele Mini was third for HiTech Pulse-Eight.

    On Lap 2, Franco Colapinto claimed seventh from Luke Browning on the run to Turn 3 but his joy was short-lived. The MP Motorsport driver made brief contact with the Brit completing the move and sustained a puncture, which sent him into the barriers at Turn 5 and out of the race.

    Josep Maria Marti was on a charge, he went from 30th to 21st on the first lap alone and he was battling Campos Racing teammate Mansell for 12th.

    Contact between Ido Cohen and Rafael Villagomez out of Turn 4 the following lap spun the Rodin Carlin man into the barriers, bringing out the Safety Car once more. The Van Amersfoort Racing man was handed a 10 second time penalty for the incident.

    Once we went back to racing conditions on Lap 16 and Marti was on the move again clearing Goethe into Turn 4 to take 11th position, that then became 10th on Lap 18 after he put a brave move on Jonny Edgar going around the outside at Turn 9.

    The full top 10 are: P1: Bortoleto, P2: Saucy, P3: Mini, P4: Fornaroli, P5: Sullivan, P6: Aron, P7: Marti, P8: Browning, P9: Barnard and P10: Mansell.

    Formula 3 is not back now until the 19th to 21st May for Round 3 in Imola. However they do have in-season testing on the 13-14th April in Barcelona.

  • RND 3 – Australian Grand Prix

    What a race that was yesterday… from red flags and safety cars to a rookie getting his first points, teammates taking each other out and a great recovery drive by a certain Mexican.

    But it was Max Verstappen who won the Australian Grand Prix for the first time in his career, Lewis Hamilton claimed Mercedes and his first podium of the year in P2, and Fernando Alonso takes P3 (which is not a surprise anymore).

    The full top 10 are: P1: Verstappen, P2: Hamilton, P3: Alonso, P4: Stroll, P5: Perez, P6: Norris, P7: Hulkenberg, P8: Piastri, P9: Zhou and P10: Tsunoda.

    George Russell of the United Kingdom drives the Mercedes alongside Max Verstappen of the Netherlands who drives the Red Bull Racing during the 2023 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne on the 2nd of April, 2023. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

    First up, Mercedes! A strong weekend overall for them, and it looks like they definitely have made an improvement to the car. But it wasn’t all happy, after Russell and Hamilton overtook Verstappen at the start of the race, Russell ended up on Lap 18 pulling over to the side on the start/finish straight as he had flames from the back of the Mercedes which brought out a VSC.

    On the first lap there was contact between Lance Stroll and Charles Leclerc, which saw the Ferrari driver go off into the gravel and him out of the race. A quick stewards’ investigation and they settled on no further action. Poor Charles though, not having the best start this season and he only has 6 points to his name…

    A good race for the McLaren duo, obviously Oscar’s first points in F1 and what a place to do it at his home race! Norris aswell scored points, so hopefully this is a turning point for McLaren now and we can see them near the top 10 and getting points in the races.

    A good recovery for Perez, he originally was meant to start 20th but ended up starting in the pitlane due to taking some elements. But he did damage limitation, as he climbed all the way up to 5th so grabbed some good points, especially if he wants to fight for the championship this season.

    The Championship-

    Max Verstappen leads the Drivers on 69 points, with his teammate just behind on 54 points. Fernando Alonso is 3rd on 45 points and is followed closely by Lewis Hamilton whose in 4th on 38 points. To round out the top five is Carlos Sainz who is on 20 points.

    Looking at the Constructors, Red Bull is leading on 123 points, Aston Martin are in 2nd on 65 points so a big gap between 1st and 2nd already… 3rd is Mercedes on 56 points, so not too far away from Aston. Now there is a 30 point gap between Mercedes and Ferrari, the Italian team with just 26 points so far this season. And rounding out the top five is McLaren who have 12 points so far.

    All ten teams have now scored points already this season! I can see the order changing quite a bit this season, so keep your eyes peeled. On the drivers side of thing, 18 have scored points and its only Logan Sargeant and Nyck de Vries who are seeking their first points of the season.

    Now, we have a few weeks break until Round 4, which see’s the first sprint race of the season, and it is happening for the first time at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on the 28th April – 30th.

  • F3 – RND 2 – Day 1

    Formula 3, is in Australia for the very first time. Let’s take a look at how Day 1 went.

    Free Practice-

    Zak O’Sullivn hit the ground running in Melbourne, topping the opening session of the weekend for PREMA Racing, the Brit set a 1:33,470 at the end of the session.

    MP Motorsport’s Mari Boya, leapt up the timing sheets late on with a 1:33.528 putting him second ahead of Gregoire Saucy, who bounced back from an off-track moment.

    Saucy had an off-road excursion at Turn 4, running through the gravel on corner exit before rejoining in his ART Grand Prix car. The red flag was out with just over half an hour remaining following a crash for Jonny Edgar.

    Practice resumed with 20 minutes of the session to go. A brief yellow flag for Campos Racing’s Hugh Barter was thrown at the final corner after he ended up sideways.

    Qualifying-

    Gabriel Bortoleto left it as late as possible to take pole for the FIA Formula 3 Feature Race. The Trident driver had been on provisional pole until several late efforts demoted him, but the Brazilian rebounded to seal P1 on his final attempt.

    Gregoire Saucy ended up second for ART Grand Prix, while Gabriele Mini had to settle for third in his HiTech Pulse-Eight car.

    With all 30 cars out of the pitlane, it was a busy Albert Park Circuit but only temporarily. A shunt for Josep Maria Marti brought out the red flags with six minutes gone.

    The second red flag of the session came with four and a half minutes to go. ART Grand Prix’s Kaylen Frederick hit the wall out of the corner, but the American was okay afterwards. Back to green and with time for one final attempt, everyone was immediately back out for one final attempt.

  • Australia Tyre Selection

    The tyres have been selected for Round 3, where we go down under at Albert Park. Where Formula 2 and 3 join us this weekend making their debut!

    But more importantly the tyres which have been selected are: C2 (Hard), C3 (Medium), C4 (Soft).

    The FIA has confirmed four DRS zones at Albert Park. So this year could feature the fastest even seen in Melbourne, which in theory could reach 340kph.

    The Albert Park street circuit, was resurfaced in 2022 with some metallic elements included in the aggregate, improving the grip from the tyres. The asphalt is smoother than other tracks on the championship, with peak grip only achieved after several sessions of on track running.

    The energy demands on the tyres at the Grand Prix are about average for the season. The new layout inaugurated last year favours overtaking, especially in the second sector.

    We’ve made the same tyre choice as we did back in 2019 for the Australian Grand Prix. Following a two-year absence from the calendar due to the Covid pandemic, we went for a gap in the nominated compounds last year: selecting the C2, C3 and then the softest C5 compound. That race was a one-stopper won by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, with all the teams using the hard and the medium tyre, while the soft was just used for qualifying. This weekend, the teams will have the C2, C3, and C4 at their disposal, which means that they have more options for the race in terms of strategy: on paper at least. We’re expecting a high degree of track evolution throughout the weekend, as is normally the case in Melbourne, while the energy demands on the tyres are about average for the season. It’s a flowing track with corners that are faster following last year’s modifications, which benefit overtaking as well as the overall spectacle.

    Mario Isola, Motorsport Director.

  • Round 6 – Sao Paulo E-Prix

    Round 6 is now complete, lets take a look at what happened during the first ever Sao Paulo E-Prix weekend.

    FP1-

    Envision Racing’s Sebastien Buemi managed to top the timesheets for the first practice session with a 1m 12.341s, as speeds hit more than 266km/h down the Sambadrome straight.

    Behind Buemi, is the Nissan of Sacha Fenestraz, Formula E’s latest polesitter and holder of Formula E’s fastest ever competitive lap. NIO 333’s Dan Ticktum rounded out the top three, just 0.123s off the time of Buemi.

    All 22 drivers, quickly locked in laps on the new 2.933km circuit. A few brief yellow flags were issued as the grid found the limits of the bumpy track surfaces.

    Robin Frijns of ABT CUPRA returned to the track after he fractured his wrist during the first race of the season. The Dutchman was getting in as much practice as possible and trying to stay out of trouble.

    FP2-

    Nine different teams made the top 10 in Free Practice 2, with Antonio Felix da Costa topping the timesheets with a 1m 11.496s.

    Just behind him, was the Maserati MSG Racing of Maximilian Guenther. And Norman Nato rounded out the top three and was just 0.001s slower than Guenther.

    All drivers were on their best behaviour with the bumpy track, as they didn’t want to waste any time. But several had issues with track limits, with many going off at Turn 1 and Turn 6.

    Qualifying-

    DS Penske achieved their first Julius Baer Pole Position since 2016, as reigning champion Stoffel Vandoorne became the ninth different pole sitter in nine races ahead of the inaugural Julius Baer Sao Paulo E-Prix.

    Vandoorne beat the TAG Heuer Porsche of Antonio Felix da Costa to lock in his first pole since Rome in Season 8. The Belgian driver also topped Group A, which continues a crazy coincidence that the fastest driver in the group has gone on to take pole in the last four consecutive races.

    Standings leader, Pascal Wehrlein finds himself down in 18th having failed to make it to the groups. Home heroes Lucas di Grassi and Sergio Sette Camara also struggled and will be starting at the back of the grid – the former hit a wall, pushing a bit too hard and the latter a bump which forced a reboot car.

    Round 6-

    Mitch Evans led home a first one-two-three for the Jaguar powertrain, with Nick Cassidy (Envision Racing) and Sam Bird (Jaguar TCS Racing) crossing the line together – with the trio just half a second apart.

    The New Zealander took the initiative and the race lead from his compatriot Cassidy as the race headed into four TAG Heuer Added Laps. His move on Lap 32 proved to be decisive, with neither Cassidy nor Evans’ teammate Bird able to undo the leader’s defensive driving.

    Polesitter, Stoffel Vandoorne had led the way early on, fending off Porsche’s Antonio Felix da Costa during the first round of Attack Mode activations until the race reached its half-way stage, with the lead impossible to keep track of on Lap 14 0 three or four changes over that tour alone and Cassidy came out on top.

    The full top 10 are: P1: Evans, P2: Cassidy, P3: Bird, P4: Da Costa, P5: Vergne, P6: Vandoorne, P7: Wehrelin, P8: Hughes, P9: Rast and P10: Buemi.

  • F1 Academy grid complete, Garcia joins PREMA

    PREMA Racing have announced that Marta Garcia will be joining them, becoming the 15th and final driver confirmed for the all-women series.

    The Spanish racer, had a successful karting career, winning the 2015 CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy and the prestigious Trofeo delle Industrie.

    Making the step up to single-seaters in 2016, she undertook a partial Spanish F4 campaign, before returning for a full season the following year. There she took 14 points-scoring finishes in 20 races to claim ninth in the standings.

    From there, Garcia switched to W Series in 2019, finishing fourth in her rookie season with one win and two podiums. Returning for the 2021 and 2022 campaigns, the 22 year old went to score two further podium finishes and a maiden pole position in Singapore last year.

    I’m super happy to be racing for PREMA in F1 Academy. I think this is a great opportunity for me to show what I am capable of and it’s great to do it with PREMA, which is one of the best operations in motorsport. I’m looking forward to working with them and putting their colours at the front in this new series.

    Garcia on her seat.

    We are looking forward to racing together with Garcia as she had some impressive showings in the past. We think she can be a leading competitor in the F1 Academy field so to join forces was really natural. She also has a good amount of experience which is a bonus asset for the whole team.

    Rene Rosin, Team Principal.

  • Sao Paulo Preview

    The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is all set to make it a hat-trick of all new events with the series’ “dream” first outing in motorsport crazy Brazil as we head to Sao Paulo for Round 6 of Season 9.

    Hometown hero and former champion Lucas di Grassi hails from the city and will be joined by compatriot Sergio Sette Camara as Formula E sets for its debut in South America.

    With three long straights connected by tricky chicanes, sweeping corners and tight turns, the circuit is expected to be a challenging affair for the pack, with high speeds anticipated.

    Starting on the main straight that’s usually reserved for carnival floats and revelry, there will be a different type of dancing as the drivers put their toe tapping to use on the brake pedals into the series of sharp turns, that feed to a looping hairpin that fires the field down the straight.

    This straight is broken up with another challenging right-left series of corners to another long straight. The final sector sees more passing opportunities in the run to the finish line.

    circuit-map-saopaulo

    The Championship-

    Looking at the drivers standings, Wherlein still leads the championship by 18 points, and Dennis stays in P2 on 62 points, with Jean-Eric Vergne in third on 50 points.

    If we were looking at a closer battle, you’d be looking at, 4th/5th/6th/7th which is between Da Costa, Cassidy, Buemi and Rast who are all seperated by 7 points.

    Now looking at the teams, TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E team leads on a 126 points, Envision are in second on 84 points and Avalanche Andretti are in third on 80 points.

    Looking at 4th and 5th, Neom McLaren are on 66 points, 1 points behind Avalanche Andretti. Now looking at 5th DS Penske are on 61 points, 5 points between them and McLaren.

    Weekend Schedule-

    Friday 24th-

    • Free Practice 1- 19:25pm – 20:15pm (GMT)

    Saturday 25th-

    • Free Practice 2- 10:25am – 11:15am
    • Qualifying- 12:40pm – 13:55pm
    • Round 6- 17:03pm -18:30pm.

  • ART Grand Prix confirm Chloe Grant

    ART Grand Prix have announced Chloe grant as their third and final driver, becoming the fourth team to complete their line-up for the all-new, all-female racing series.

    The British driver will be partnering up with Lena Buhler, and Carrie Schreiner at the French team.

    Grant began her karting career aged seven, racing in the East of Scotland Kart Club. After finishing third and second in consecutive years in their Cadet Championship, she secured the 2017 ESKC Junior Championship title in the Minimax class.

    In 2020, she became the youngest driver to earn a Motorsport UK Junior Racing Driver Licence in Scotland, before winning the CKRC and BWRDC Kart Sport Championship titles. This was followed by a switch to car racing in 2021, where she drove in the Junior Saloon Car Championship.

    Moving over to the UK’s GB4 Championship the following year, Grant finished ninth in the standings, achieving 10 top 10 finishes in the final 12 races of the season.

    I am really excited to contest this season with ART Grand Prix. We share the same ambition for winning and with the history and victory that ART Grand Prix carries, I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together. It’s a privilege to join their long list of successful and talented drivers. The F1 Academy presents an opportunity to us female drivers that we haven’t seen before, and I know we have a competitive inaugural grid. I can’t wait to get started!

    Grant on her new seat.

    ART Grand Prix is happy to accompany Chloe in her first year of international competition. Last season, she showed a glimpse of her talent and determination, which had already enabled her to have a great career in karting. This development corresponds perfectly to the philosophy of our Company, which is proud to participate in this new sporting and individual journey.

    ART Team Principal, Sebastien Philippe.

  • MP Motorsport announce Emely de Heus

    MP Motorsport have become the third team to complete their line-up for the inaugural F1 Academy season, announcing that Dutch racer Emely de Heus will be racing alongside Amna and Hamda Al Qubaisi.

    Twenty year old De Heus is already a well known face to the Dutch team, having made her single-seater debut with them in 2021. Competing in Spanish Formula 4, she went on to claim the Female Trophy that same year.

    From there, De Heus joined the W Series last year, and earned herself a best result of 10th in the opening round in Miami. Ahead of her F1 Academy debut, she got reacquainted with MP over the winter, driving for them in the UAE Championship.

    It feels great to be back with MP, they are like a second home to me. I had a wonderful time with MP back in 2021, and with the added experience that I gained with them I look forward to putting that to good use in my first season in F1 Academy. I can’t wait to get started for the first round at the Red Bull Ring in April and will especially enjoy racing in front of my home crowd at Zandvoort in June.

    De Heus on the announcement.

    I’m delighted to welcome Emely back into the MP fold. She proved to be a great asset in 2021, and I have no doubt that she will feature strongly in F1 Academy’s first year of action. With five of the leading teams on the single-seater ladder to Formula 1 supporting F1 Academy, the future is looking bright for the series, and Emely will be a well-deserved part of that.

    MP Team Principal, Sander Dorsman.

  • RND 2 – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

    What a race! I think before Verstappen’s problem in qualifying, we expected a pretty standard race with not much happening but it was the other way round.

    Sergio Perez managed to convert pole position into victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as his teammate recovered from P15 to P2, which makes it a second 1-2 for the Red Bull team in two races. Fernando Alonso put his Aston Martin on the podium again, before he was stripped of P3 and then having it reinstated after a stewards’ review.

    The Mexican driver, overcome an attack from Alonso at the start of the race, a nervy Safety Car period and Verstappen’s charge from the midfield to make up for the potential win he lost at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit a year ago – kick starting his championship hopes in the process.

    The full top 10 are: P1: Perez, P2: Verstappen, P3: Alonso, P4: Russell, P5: Hamilton, P6: Sainz, P7: Leclerc, P8: Ocon, P9: Gasly and P10: Magnussen.

    McLaren are having a tough time at the moment, after an early front wing change for Piastri who clashed with Gasly at the start and Norris who hit the debris, saw them at the back of the grid. Piastri ultimately crossed the line in P15, after clearing Sargeant on the final lap. Norris narrowly avoided repeating as he settled for 17th, with Valtteri Bottas the last of the finishers amid apparent technical trouble in his Alfa Romeo.

    Alex Albon and Lance Stroll were the two retirements from the race; Albon encountering terminal brake problems aboard his Williams and Stroll being told to stop his Aston Martin in the early stages.

    All eyes turn to Australia in just under two weeks time, where it will be Piastri’s first home race, but most importantly will it be the battle of the Bull’s? Or can Fernando Alonso grab the win?

  • RND 2 – Saudi Arabia Qualifying

    The second qualifying session of the season is now complete, with a few shocks along the way, not forgetting that going into Qualifying it’s already confirmed Charles Leclerc has a 10 place grid penalty…

    It was Sergio Perez who took his second pole position of his F1 career, at the same place he took his first! Charles Leclerc managed to grab second, but after his penalty is applied will be starting 12th. And to round out the top three is Fernando Alonso.

    The full top 10 are: P1: Perez, P2: Leclerc, P3: Alonso, P4: Russell, P5: Sainz, P6: Stroll, P7: Ocon, P8: Hamilton, P9: Piastri and P10: Gasly.

    Lando Norris is not having a good time at the moment, qualified P19… this however was not due to a reliability issue. He hit the wall on the last corner and it damaged the car. However, his teammate was on another level, Oscar managed to get into Q3 for the first time in only just two races, a much better place than they were last time out in Bahrain. But a big well done, to the Aussie.

    Now onto the bigger shock of qualifying, Max Verstappen out in Q2, and starting 15th. During Q2, Max had a driveshaft problem and that consequently ended his qualifying session, as there was only 5 minutes left and Red Bull were not able to fix/figure out the problem so quick.

    A better qualifying for the Alpine’s, Gasly starting 9th and Ocon 6th, hopefully they can capitalise on this and grab points, especially Ocon after not grabbing any in Bahrain.

    Predictions-

    My top five for the race are: P1: Perez, P2: Alonso, P3: Sainz, P4: Russell, P5: Stroll.

    It will be interesting to see how both Max and Charles will do going through the field working their way up, but will they both manage to stay out of trouble? And grab some points so its not as damaging for the later part of the season.

    I can see some safety cars happening this race as well as VSC, this may shake some things up depending on when they are in the race, so it could shake things up a little…

  • F2 – RND 2 – Day 1

    Round 2 is here for Formula 2, lets take a look at what went down in Free Practice and Qualifying!

    Free Practice-

    Oliver Bearman was quick out of the blocks in Jeddah, as he lead teammate Frederik Vesti in the opening session of the weekend. ART Grand Prix’s Victor Martins, was also proving that the rookies were having no problem getting acquainted with the ultra-high-speed circuit, finishing Free Practice in third.

    All the drivers were out on track early, eager to get their eye in around a slightly tweaked Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
    Martins claimed the top spot with 10 minutes gone, his 1:46.411 was 0.4s quicker than anyone else in the early phase of Practice.

    There was red flag thrown in Free Practice, as Amaury Cordeel suffered a spin out of Turn 13, ending up sideways on the track. With his car in need of recovering, the session then wasn’t resumed with only four minutes remaining.

    Martins set a 1:43.161, that would have put him on top but with the Red Flag cancelling his lap just before he could cross the line to finish it, Bearman topped practice instead.

    Qualifying-

    Victor Martins was a man on a mission as he claimed ART Grand Prix’s second consecutive pole position in a dominant fashion.
    The Frenchman put down a 1:41.326 to go a whopping 0.744s clear in the nick of time, as a late Red Flag denied the field a chance to get close to his efforts.

    Practice pace-setter, Oliver Bearman also proved that experience isn’t everything as the PREMA rookie secured second, Championship leader Theo Pourchaire made it two ARTs in the top three.

    Experiencing his first qualifying session around the Saudi Arabian track, Roman Stanek was the first to get a representative lap time on the board.
    However, the Trident driver’s time didn’t stay top for too long, being eclipsed immediately by Jack Doohan, Arthur Leclerc and Ayumu Iwasa.

    With 18 minutes remaining, improvements were stopped after Van Amersfoort Racing’s Richard Verschoor spun at Turn 22, bringing out the Red Flag.
    Frederik Vesti momentarily became the driver to beat when running resumed, before he was leapfrogged by his teammate, Bearman.

    However, not all drivers were able to take advantage of their fresh supersoft rubber, as the Red Flag was thrown once again, it wiped away Dennis Hauger’s personal best sectors, after Leclerc stopped on the exit of Turn 22. The session was then not resumed, allowing Martins to hold onto his maiden pole position.

    Bearman setttled for second, only 0.001s ahead of Pourchaire. Jack Doohan left it late to snatch fourth ahead of Daruvala. Hitech Pule-EIght, Jak Crawford rounded out the top 10 on his Jeddah debut, he will start on reverse grid pole for the Sprint Race today.

  • Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

    The second race of the season is here and we return to Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

    Will Ferrari have any luck with reliability this time round? Leclerc already has a penalty this weekend, so are they already out of luck? Will Red Bull be making it a second 1-2 in a row?

    Can Alonso, grab another podium? Will Mercedes be any closer to the front and potentially get a podium aswell? Or will they optimise on Leclerc’s penalty, and try and take as many points away from the Italian team?

    Who needs to shine?

    McLaren will be hoping to have a better weekend, as having Lando Norris battle problems throughout the Grand Prix and Oscar Piastri having to retire didn’t start them off well.

    Esteban Ocon, will be hoping for a better weekend as he retired last time out in Bahrain. Not only this his new teammate Pierre Gasly finished in the points so, Ocon will be wanting to hit the ground running this weekend.

    I think Ferrari as a team just need a better weekend, hopefully better reliability as a whole and then the points can be scored as Leclerc is also on catch up.

    Mercedes will also be hoping for a better weekend, as we all know they aren’t were they thought they’d be or want to be, I think the determination is there for the Silver Arrows team, and they’ll be pushing to be up further on the grid for the race.

    Predictions for Qualifying-

    My top five for qualifying are- Pole: Verstappen, P2: Leclerc, P3: Perez, P4: Alonso and P5: Hamilton. (Before penalties)

    I think it will be the same teams fighting for pole as last time out, obviously Leclerc has a penalty so, other teams might benefit off that.

    I could see an Alfa Romeo and a Haas be in the top 10 for qualifying, maybe the Williams of Albon aswell? With Jeddah being such a tight circuit, drivers have to be somewhat careful as they are on the limit for the majority of the lap.

  • Amna & Hamda Al Qubaisi sign with MP Motorsport

    Amna and Hamda Al Qubaisi have became the latest drivers announced for the inaugural F1 Academy, with both sisters set to compete for MP Motorsport in the new all-female series.

    Amna, 22, made her single-seater debut in 2018, competing in Italian F4 before becoming the first Emirati and female racer to compete in the Formula 4 UAE Championship the following year.

    She also brings experience with her, having also driven in the Asian F3 Championship, Formula Regional Asian Championship and a two-round appearance in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine.

    Meanwhile, 20 year old Hamda began her single-seater career in 2019, driving in Italian F4 and in 2021 she made history by becoming the first female racer to claim a podium in the Championship.

    The same year, she finished fourth in F4 UAE and then went on to step up to the Formula Regional Asian and European Championships.

    I’m super excited to announce that I’ll be joining MP Motorsport for the F1 Academy. MP Motorsport is a fantastic team with decades of expertise, so I’m really happy to be a part of this family. I’m also really happy to be back behind the wheel and see where this takes us.

    Amna on her new seat.

    I’m excited to announce that I’ll be racing with MP Motorsport for the F1 Academy. I’m excited to represent MP Motorsport in this series and I’m aware of the team’s amazing past, so I can’t wait to continue with them and grow.

    Hamda added.

    We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Amna and Hamda to our F1 Academy squad. They are from a family that carries speed in their veins and have a bright future in motorsport ahead of them. I have fond memories of the Dubai 24 Hours in which we competed against their father Khaled who won it twice back in 2012 and 2013 when Amna and Hamda were still little girls, and then for a third time in 2020. It’s amazing to realize that they have grown into fierce competitors in karting and now in single seaters where they form arguably the quickest sister act in the entire world of motorsport. 2023 is going to be great with the pair of them.

    Team Principal, Sander Dorsman.

  • Ferrari confirm Leclerc grid penalty

    Charles Leclerc will be having his work cut out in this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after his Ferrari team were forced to fit another control electronics power unit component which in turn triggers a grid penalty.

    Ferrari replaced the Energy Store and Control Electronics on Leclerc’s engine before the season opening Bahrain Grand Prix. The Monegasque then retired when in contention for a podium behind the two Red Bulls.

    As teams are only permitted to use two control electronics components per season without penalty, Leclerc’s move to a third for race two in Jeddah ensures he will have at least a 10 place grid drop this Sunday. And potentially more if they replace any other parts and increases the chances of him taking a further penalty later in the season.

    After Baku, last year Ferrari were forced to run their engine at a lower power to reduce the risk of failure. However a lot of work went into durability over the winter and while they encountered problems in Bahrain.

    Leclerc heads into the weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 25 points adrift of championship leader Max Verstappen – and while he was understandably down after failing to score in the season opener, Vasseur said he has no worries about the Monegasque’s mindset and motivation.

    On Sunday, we had two different issues. The first one was on the Sunday morning, when we did the fire up, and the second one was in the race. Unfortunately, it was two times the control unit, the ECU. It’s something that we never experienced in the past. I hope now it’s under control, but we have a deep analysis on this. Unfortunately, we’ll have to take the penalty in Jeddah, because we have only a pool of two control units for the season. Charles was with us after the tyre test day on Tuesday, was at the factory on Wednesday morning. We had a speech with the employees, where we were all together on stage. It’s obvious Charles is motivated, we have done one race of 23. He’s full push with the team, trying to get the best for everyone. The penalty is not good news, but it’s not the end of the season. Let’s see what happens in Jeddah, and what could be the outcome, even with the penalty, but don’t imagine for half a second he could be demotivated. He’s fully convinced, he’s working with us, pushing the team, pushing everybody in a positive way. And nothing else.

    Fred Vasseur, Team Principal.

  • F1 to race in Austria until 2027

    It has been announced that Formula 1 will continue to race in Austria until 2027, after a new four-year agreement was reached.

    The Austrian Grand Prix returned to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2014, an since then the Red Bull Ring has welcomed millions of fans, with 303,000 supporters in attendance at last year’s sold-out event.

    The last race under the current agreement, set to take place 30th June to 2nd July, will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Austrian Grand Prix’s return to the Formula 1 calendar, and feature an F1 Sprint for the second consecutive year.

    And now fans can now look forward to at least four more Grand Prix at the historic track.

    The Austrian Grand Prix brings together the perfect mix of a challenging track, high-speed racing, and a beautiful venue for our fans, so I am delighted that we will be coming back to the Red Bull Ring until at least 2027 under this new agreement. As we celebrate the 10th year since our return to Spielberg, I would like to thank everyone involved in this renewal, especially the promoter and Red Bull and I want to pay tribute to Dietrich Mateschitz for the love, passion, and vision he brought to Formula 1 that has ensured the continued success of the event and the huge enthusiasm for our sport in Austria and around the world.

    Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

    We are proud of the special partnership we have with Formula 1, and we are absolutely delighted to be welcoming the top class of motorsport to the Red Bull Ring for a further four years. In signing this contract extension, Formula 1 has made a strong commitment to Austria, Styria and the Murtal region. As we enter the tenth year of our partnership with Formula 1, we want to celebrate this milestone with all the great fans of the sport and to thank them for their loyalty and the tremendous atmosphere they help to generate. Everyone is invited to experience another great race weekend at Spielberg in 2023.

    Erich Wolf, General Manager of Projekt Spielberg GmbH & Co KG.