Pre-Season Testing Done - What Can We Take Away From It?

The Formula E pre-season testing wrapped up in Jarama, and there's plenty to unpack before the season kicks off. This year’s testing session came with a last-minute venue change, new technological developments, fresh faces, and a unique focus on inclusivity with a Women’s Test. Here are the key takeaways from an action-packed few days on and off the track:

Rapid Adaptation and Fan Engagement

First off, a huge shoutout to Formula E for their impressive logistical maneuvering. Finding a replacement for Valencia in a matter of days was no easy feat, and yet they managed to secure the Jarama Circuit and moved everything to the new location in a matter of a few days, which allowed for an exciting few days of testing. 

But it didn’t stop there; opening the Friday sessions to fans was a great decision, allowing spectators to get an up-close view of the teams and drivers in action. The option to follow the sessions on the last day of testing had also been a part of the schedule for the location Valencia, but with the sudden location change, it was unclear if the same option would be available in Madrid too. It appears to have taken a lot of organisational effort since the announcement for the opening up of the circuit to spectators was made on Thursday, only one day before. It's another example of how Formula E continues to innovate in terms of fan engagement, giving supporters a glimpse behind the scenes before the season officially starts.

Attack Charging 

A major talking point from the test sessions was the demonstration of the new attack charging system. After its planned introduction last season did not materialise, it's promising to see that the technology seems to finally take shape. It was tested during the mock-race held on Thursday afternoon. It seemed successful at first, but two teams (Nissan and DS Penske) have since come forward, stating that the charging of the cars had been unsuccessful, according to e-formula News information. If the system performs as intended during the season, it could introduce a whole new strategic element to races. Only time will tell if it actually gets introduced or not.

Rookies in the Spotlight

The pre-season test was a crucial time for rookies to get acclimated, with season 11 giving cockpits to two/ likely three rookies. The two confirmed new drivers are Zane Maloney for Lola Yamaha ABT and Taylor Barnard for NEOM McLaren. The possible third one being the German David Beckmann, who tested for Kiro Race Co. 

Zane Maloney was absent from the mock race because of an electrical issue in his car, which was a noticeable blow to his season's preparation. Missing out on this valuable experience could put him at a disadvantage compared to fellow rookie Taylor Barnard, who already has a couple of race weekends under his belt from Monaco and Berlin in Season 10. 

The third rookie David Beckmann showed impressive pace, as did his team, Kiro Race Co. with teammate Daniel Ticktum. The team has shown great potential with at least one car finishing in the top 10 for most of the test sessions. Their performance hints at a potentially competitive and unpredictable season ahead.

Team Performances

The pre-season test sessions at Jarama offered a first glimpse into the current state of play across the Formula E grid. Porsche appears to be in formidable form heading into Season 11, building on their success from last season. They delivered consistently strong results throughout the sessions, suggesting they have returned with a refined and competitive package. However, their partner team Andretti had a more inconsistent showing. While there were flashes of strong pace, their mixed bag of results leaves questions about their reliability and race-day consistency as the season approaches. 

Jaguar/Envision seems to be keeping their cards close to their chest, potentially holding back their true performance during testing. This strategic move could mean they are planning to reveal their full capabilities once the season officially starts. Mahindra appears to have some catching up to do, struggling to match the pace set by the front runners. The Stellantis-powered cars, including DS Penske and Maserati, seem well-prepared, although they still have a few areas to fine-tune before they can be considered fully race-ready.

Nissan/McLaren showed promising pace in the midfield, hinting at potential for much higher finishes. With a bit more development time, they could emerge as a dark horse this season, ready to challenge the top teams. Kiro Race Co., a new addition to the grid, is proving to be a surprise package, demonstrating strong performances that suggest they should not be underestimated.

Lastly, the freshly introduced Lola Yamaha ABT team is showing signs of progress. While their current pace indicates they may need a few races to fully adapt and integrate into the competition, this was expected given the challenges faced by new teams in their debut season. With a bit of time and development, they could become a competitive force as the season unfolds.

The Women’s Test 

Friday afternoon at Jarama Circuit was dedicated to the Women’s Test, a landmark event underscoring Formula E's ongoing commitment to gender inclusivity in motorsport. With a standout performance from Abbi Pulling, the session highlighted the growing potential for women to compete on an equal footing in the series. However, the test was not without its challenges, underscoring the complexities of integrating new drivers into a high-stakes environment.

Jaguar’s Lilou Wadoux faced troubles due to a seat fit issue. According to Formula E Notebook information, eventhough the seat had been tested multiple times, preparing to drive Wadoux's seat felt uncomfortable. In a show of camaraderie, Porsche stepped in, offering Jaguar António Félix da Costa’s seat insert in a bid to get her on track. Unfortunately, this effort was unsuccessful, and Wadoux was unable to participate in the session—a disappointing turn for the French driver.

This situation, along with Envision’s initial struggles to get Lena Palmowski up and running, shows the logistical and technical challenges still present when integrating a new lineup into a single test event.

Japanese racing driver Miki Koyama faced difficulties as well, initially scheduled to drive the #11 Lola Yamaha ABT car but eventually stepping into the #22 after a prolonged delay instead. The change suggests possible technical issues with the original car, which were not further clarified by the team.

Looking At The Women’s Test

The Women’s Test wasn’t just about driving; it was also a platform for discussing the future of inclusivity in the sport. Philipene driver Bianca Bustamante shared her optimism during the Press Conference on Friday, reflecting on a talk the female drivers had with the Formula E leadership the day before:

"The president and vice-president of Formula E [were] giving us [...] that pep talk, telling us that it's not just a one-off thing. This isn't just something you'll see now and forgotten in the future. It is a continuous partnership. [...] They truly believe that men and women can compete on the same grid, and they are doing everything they can to make that a reality."

Meanwhile fellow Spanish driver Marta Garcia reflected on the challenge and benefits of a test like the one offered by Formula E, allowing for drivers to learn to adapt between different cars, emphasizing the skills required to switch seamlessly:

"It's positive, so this gives you more power of adaptation when you jump from one car to the other. [...] I think that is also something positive."

What’s Next?

The Women’s Test was both a symbolic and practical demonstration of Formula E’s commitment to inclusivity, signaling the start of more efforts to advance gender equality in motorsport. As teams pack up and leave Jarama, there’s a real sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. The testing sessions offered a preview of the pecking order, but only when the season officially begins will we truly see how teams, new technologies, and rookies are progressing.

Based on the results from testing, the upcoming season promises plenty of on-track action, with the potential for diverse winners. Which national anthem will we hear first? We won’t have to wait long to find out.

The first free practice of Season 11 kicks off on December 7 in São Paulo, with the inaugural race following the next day.