For the second year, Formula E gave up to 22 female drivers the chance to experience the all-new GEN3 Evo car, a machine that rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.82 seconds, making it around 30% quicker off the line than a Formula 1 car. The test was held at Valencia’s now renewed Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
About last year
The 2024 all-women’s test was a significant milestone in the world of motorsport, it was the first time the Formula E Championship organized a session dedicated exclusively for female drivers. This first women’s test came in Madrid, at Circuito del Jarama- as part of Formula E World Championship’s season 11 pre-season testing schedule.
It gave women drivers an opportunity to drive the GEN3 Evo car under the same conditions as the regular championship drivers. During this session, 21 year old brit, Abbi Pulling (Driving for Nissan) locked the fastest time of the day, beating Jamie Chadwick and Bianca Bustamante to it.
This special event showcased the talent these women have in racing, and reinforced the commitment to break down barriers- to give women equal opportunities and increase their visibility in motorsport.
This test created pathways- we saw five women securing team roles and three securing permanent positions within Formula E.
This year the Women’s Test returned with double the track time available. Formula E is offering an even bigger platform for talented women to showcase their talent. Unlike other series, where women drive older or restricted machinery, here they will be driving the same equipment as the Championship drivers.
It was a productive day, with two three-hour sessions with 14 talented women. At the end of the day we saw Chloe Chambers (Driving for Mahindra Racing) recording the fastest time of 1;22.767. Mahindra Racing has been on a positive streak, as their Edoardo Mortara set the fastest time in the Official Test earlier in the week. Last year’s quickest woman, Abbi Pulling, came just 0.064 short off Chambers’ time.
| 1. Chloe Chambers – 1:22.767 | 8. Nerea Martí - +1.661 |
| 2. Abbi Pulling - +0.064 | 9. Juju Noda -+1.675 |
| 3. Bianca Bustamante - + 0.770 | 10. Marta García -+1.848 |
| 4. Alice Powell - +0.890 | 11. Gabriela Jílková -+3.219 |
| 5. Ella Lloyd - +0.909 | 12. Jessica Edgar -+3.293 |
| 6. Jamie Chadwick - +0.925 | 13. Janina Schall -+6.087 |
| 7. Tatiana Calderón - + 1.071 | 14. Lindsay Brewer -+6.152 |
Now with all the pre-season testing over we will be awaiting round one of the 2025/26 season, in Sao Paulo, in December.
Why it is so important
The goal of this initiative is to continue breaking down barriers to entry for women in motorsport and to provide them with equal opportunities to compete alongside other drivers in the championship. As part of the commitment to developing a next generation of talent, Formula E is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion across the sport. Through this effort, the Championship strives to create a level playing field for both male and female drivers.
Each of the 11 Formula E teams are required to field at least one female driver, ensuring that women have the same access to equipment, data, and technical support as their male counterparts. These tests serve as an opportunity to showcase the talent, skill, and determination of women in motorsport.
In addition to these all-women test sessions, Formula E and the FIA Girls on Track initiative welcome around 120 young women before each race weekend.
During these events, participants take part in educational workshops and talks that offer unique, behind-the-scenes insight into the world of motorsport.
By increasing the visibility of women in racing and providing hands-on learning experiences, Formula E continues to open doors for equal opportunities, helping to remove the barriers that have long limited women’s participation in the sport.
What’s next?
Now, many of the women who took part in the test will be closely monitored by teams for possible future roles. For example, Abbi Pulling has secured a multi-year deal with Nissan as a simulator and Rookie driver. Formula E and FIA will work hard to make sure that this momentum will not stop at this test, they will work towards more in-season development opportunities and giving drivers more real pathways into seats.
Of course, the overarching goal is to more women from test participation to, eventually, regular competitive race seats. With women already driving the same car, having access to the same equipment and technical support, the next stage is ensuring this will extend to race seats. This women’s test is the first crucial step.
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