Written by Vyas Ponnuri
Formula E will feature an all-woman pre-season test at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Valencia, from 4th to 7th November. This test will provide opportunities for more women to take up the rare opportunity of sampling Formula E machinery for the first time in their career. DIVEBOMB's Vyas Ponnuri tackles the major questions about this test.
What will the female racers be driving?
The first-of-its-kind test in the all-electric championship provides elite female racers a golden opportunity to drive the new for Season 11 (2024/25) GEN3 Evo race car. The ground-breaking Gen3 Evo machine is the fastest electric racing single-seater to date, and is capable of 0-60 mph in just 1.82 seconds – 30% faster than a current F1 car.
It will also be faster and more agile compared to its Gen3 counterpart, and more efficient too. Another new feature on this car is the introduction of All-Wheel Drive (AWD), ensuring greater control and stability for drivers racing the car.
When and where will the test be held?
The all-female pre-season test will be conducted between November 4th and 7th, at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia. This arrangement is part of the elaborate testing programme organised by Formula E, which will also involve the 11 teams and 22 drivers testing their Gen3 Evo machines for the first time on a racetrack.
The test will run for half a day, allowing female racers a chance to sample the latest spec Formula E machinery for the first time.
How many drivers will the teams be fielding?
Each team has been mandated to field atleast one female racer during the half-day test. This means 11 drivers will be receiving opportunities to test a Formula E car during the pre-season test.
While all the teams must field atleast one driver, they will be encouraged to field atleast two drivers, which provides a wider pool of talent to the teams to decide who will be testing their Formula E cars. It will also open up more opportunities to female racers who may otherwise not receive such opportunities at a high level.
The test aims to provide the women not only with a destination but also a pathway to develop their careers and skills using current technology at its full potential.
What else is on offer for the female racers taking part in the test?
Apart from taking part in the test on the track, the drivers will take part in multiple media opportunities, including press conferences, briefings, interviews and capturing content for broadcast and social media on behalf of Formula E and their respective teams.
This is specifically aimed at raising their profile within elite motorsport and the wider sports industry and especially to those involved at grassroot levels and aspiring to work in motorsport.
How is Formula E shaping up to provide greater opportunities to females in the future?
As part of its ongoing long-term commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting women’s pathways into motorsport, Formula E is also:
Delivering an extended FIA Girls on Track programme for up to 400 local young women at the Valencia test who will have the chance to watch and engage with the women racing drivers while participating in workshops aimed at accelerating careers across the whole motorsport spectrum.
Working with teams and partners to provide further opportunities for women drivers, such as engineering support, simulator time, future test opportunities and driver and holistic coaching as part of a modern driver pathway.
Consulting with leading women in sport to learn from their experiences and challenges, helping to accelerate diversity and inclusion in their sector.
Integrating technology into its cars such as power steering in GEN4 (from Season 13 in 2026) to aid the performance for male and female drivers alike.
Amplifying the FIA Girls on Track programme throughout Season 11, encouraging more young women to be involved in the programme across the season and build on the success of previous years.
Engaging with diverse and women-led organisations to identify key barriers and opportunities for women and girls to get into motorsport at all levels.
What did the top brass comment on this initiative?
Jeff Dodds, CEO at Formula E, 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."
Dodds also highlighted the opportunity for women to sample the same machinery used by the series for the upcoming season. “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." Dodds said.
“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.”