NEOM McLaren has announced that Bianca Bustamante and Ella Lloyd will drive at the upcoming all female Formula E test.
Both part of McLaren’s driver development scheme, Bustamante has been racing in F1 Academy with McLaren backing this season where she took a podium in the second race of the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
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“I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a GEN3 Evo car with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team next month in Valencia,” said Bustamante. “I’ve already been honing my skills in the simulator, and working with the team so I can extract the most from this opportunity as I can. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Lloyd is a more recent addition to the McLaren driver development programme, and will also race in F1 Academy with backing from the brand next season, albeit racing with Rodin Motorsport, not ART Grand Prix like Bustamante.
“I’m really excited to be part of the Women’s Test with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team,” said Lloyd. “This opportunity will allow me to gain valuable experience in Formula E GEN3 Evo machinery and continue to develop my skills as a racing driver. I can’t wait to get going.”
The half-day all female test at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo will form part of pre-season testing ahead of the 11th season of Formula E. it will mark the first public outing of the new GEN3 Evo Formula E car which will introduce all-wheel-drive for the first time, as well as aerodynamic improvements and improved Hankook tires which will deliver 10 percent more grip.
“I am very pleased with the Women’s Test taking place during Valencia Pre-Season Testing, and am excited to be welcoming Bianca and Ella trackside as part of the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team,” said NEOM McLaren team principal Ian James. “Both drivers have had a smooth integration into the team and have already been developing their skills in the simulator as part of their preparation.
“I’m glad we can provide Bianca and Ella with a platform to demonstrate their ability and build new career opportunities, as part of the championship’s commitment to develop their experience in motorsport. I’m looking forward to seeing how they get on in Valencia next month.”
Aside from Bustamante and Lloyd, also taking part in the female driver test will be Alisha Palmowski and Alice Powell for Envision Racing, and Chloe Chambers and Nerea Marti for Andretti. All teams will be required to run at least one driver, but will be encouraged to run two.