- Drivers will use the latest GEN3 Evo race car during the test session in Valencia
- Each team will be required to field at least one female with two encouraged
- Jeff Dodds, CEO at Formula E, spoke on the drive to provide equal opportunity
Formula E have announced their first-ever dedicated test session for female racing drivers as part of their pre-season testing schedule.
On November 7, up to 22 elite female drivers will use the latest GEN3 Evo race car as the championship bids to increase equal opportunity in its sport.
The session will take place in Valencia, Spain, as part of the CBB FIA Formula E World Championship’s pre-season testing schedule and they will drive the new car, which is capable of going 0-60mph in 1.82 seconds, 30 per cent faster than a Formula One car.
Each of the teams in the championship will be required to field at least one female driver for the half-day test, though encouraged to field two. Formula E say the event ‘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’.
The full line-up of drivers is set to be announced in the coming weeks by each team.
Formula E have announced their first-ever dedicated test session for female racing drivers
Up to 22 elite female drivers will use the latest GEN3 Evo race car in Valencia – pictured, Abbi Pulling
The new car is capable of going 0-60mph in 1.82 seconds, 30 per cent faster than a Formula One car
Formula E will also deliver an extended FIA Girls on Track programme in Valencia for up to 400 local young women who will be able to watch and engage with the female drivers and participate in workshops aimed at accelerating careers.
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.
‘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 per cent faster than an F1 car, just as our Championship drivers do.
‘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.’
