Formula E to run dedicated all-female test in Spain

Formula E has announced an all-female test in Valencia, Spain, set to take place on 7th November.

Confirmed:

• This is the first time an International Automobile Federation (FIA) championship has staged an all-female test
• Each team will be required to field at least one woman for the half-day test, but encouraged to field two
• Drivers will take part in media duties to raise their profiles in wider motorsport

Context:

Only three per cent of current top-tier racing licences worldwide are held by women in the FIA, highlighting the dearth of opportunities being made available. Diversity has long been an issue in motorsport, but Formula E is also expanding its wider support for pathways into motorsport.

The series is extending its Girls on Track programme for up to 400 local women in Valencia and is consulting with leading women in sport to learn from their experiences and challenges. Additionally, Formula E will integrate power steering into its Gen4 cars, set to be introduced in 2026, to further increase driving opportunities for women.

Comment:

“We know there isn’t a simple solution for greater diversity in motorsport,” said Jeff Dodds, chief executive of Formula E. “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.”

Coming next:

The full lineup of drivers for the November test will be announced by the individual teams over the coming weeks.

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