PREVIEW: Everything you need to know about the 2025 Berlin Rookie Test

Formula E rookie sessions offer a crucial opportunity for promising drivers to step into a seat at the pinnacle of high-performance electric motorsport. They are specifically designed for drivers holding a minimum International Grade B licence who have not yet competed in a Formula E race.

What is a Rookie Test in Formula E?

The primary goal is to fast-track the development of emerging talent in the world's leading electric racing series. Participants get the invaluable chance to showcase their skills behind the wheel of the GEN3 Evo race car which showcases the world’s most advanced electric racing technology, being the most compact, lightweight, powerful and efficient electric single-seater race car ever built.

Teams have the option to field a driver who has previous experience with Formula E cars, however they cannot be on the Season 11 (2024/25) Entry List, and they must not have competed in any prior Formula E races.

The most recent on-track rookie session was the official Rookie Free Practice session in Jeddah, held before Rounds 3 and 4 of Season 11 in February. However, the upcoming event marks a significant milestone: it will be the first full Rookie Test day of the season and the GEN3 Evo era, offering a complete day of running that starts at 9 AM.

For the Rookie Test in Berlin, the line-up will feature two drivers from each of the 11 teams including some huge talent taking to the Berlin circuit in the GEN3 Evo machines. In the past, Formula E’s Rookie Tests have introduced some of the biggest names in motorsport to the all-electric machinery.

Many have also made the step up to full-time seats, most recently Zane Maloney, who locked in a racing seat with Lola Yamaha ABT after completing a number of rookie sessions with Andretti Formula E over the last few years.

Drivers to watch

Frederik Vesti, Andretti: Joining Reserve and Development Driver Jak Crawford at Andretti in Berlin is Danish talent Frederik Vesti, who will return to the all-electric World Championship having previously tested for Mahindra Racing at last year’s Rookie Test.

A multiple race winner in Formula 2 and a former title contender, Vesti brings added pedigree through his role as a test and reserve driver for the Mercedes-AMG F1 team.

“I’m extremely happy and proud to be participating in the Rookie Test," says Vesti. "I did the one-day test last year and had a good experience in the Formula E car, but this time around with a bit more experience.

"With a great team like Andretti behind me, it's going to be a really exciting day for me to explore the all new GEN3 Evo, work with engineers and of course, learn from the team. Hopefully, I can also contribute to some of the team’s different test items throughout the day.”

Bianca Bustamante, CUPRA KIRO: Last month, CUPRA KIRO signed Bustamante as their official Development Driver. The Filipino talent raced in W Series before joining F1 Academy, and after securing two victories and a total of five podiums in a highly competitive field, Bianca has stepped up to the hotly-contested GB3 Championship for 2025.

She was on the ground in Jakarta for Dan Ticktum’s maiden Formula E victory, and has previous Formula E experience after representing NEOM McLaren and setting the third-fastest time in Formula E's Women's Test at Jarama in 2024.

“I’m really excited to join CUPRA KIRO as the team’s Development Driver as I continue my Formula E journey," says Bustamante.

""In the very short time that we’ve been working together, it’s been incredible to experience the team’s disruptive approach to racing in action and to see the team’s hunger and desire for success first-hand.

"Working with Dan, David, and the team is an invaluable opportunity for me at this stage of my career, and I’m looking forward to applying everything I learn into the GB3 Championship in 2025. I’m excited to absorb everything on-site in Jakarta and of course, to drive the team’s current Season 11 car in Berlin this July.”

Jamie Chadwick, Jaguar TCS Racing: Reigning FIA Teams’ World Champions Jaguar TCS Racing have drafted in Jamie Chadwick for more testing, having taken part in both the Women's Test in Madrid and the Rookie Free Practice session in Jeddah this season alone.

Three-time W Series Champion Chadwick has enjoyed a successful 2025 racing in sportscars, in addition to making her Le Mans debut in June. She took victory in the European Le Mans Series events this season for IDEC Sport in the LMP2 class.

“I’m looking forward to teaming up with Jaguar TCS Racing once again for the Rookie Test in Berlin," says the Brit. "I am hugely grateful for the opportunities I’ve already had to drive the Jaguar I-TYPE 7 this season, and I’m eager to get back out on track with the team again.”

Théo Pourchaire, Maserati MSG Racing: Maserati MSG Racing welcomes back Théo Pourchaire to the team, with the 2023 Formula 2 Champion previously taking part during the FP0 session in Jeddah earlier this season.

“Formula E is such a unique and challenging championship. I’m grateful for the opportunity to get more seat time and continue learning in this environment.”

He’ll be joined by Monégasque native Arthur Leclerc, who rejoins the outfit having been part of the family during the team’s time as Venturi Racing. Leclerc originally joined the team as a Development Driver in 2017, progressing to Test and Reserve Driver roles for the 2019-2020 season.

Abbi Pulling, Nissan: Abbi Pulling will return to Nissan, with the reigning F1 Academy Champion finishing top of the timesheets at the all-women’s session in Jarama last November.

This will be her first on-track appearance with the Japanese outfit in her new role as Nissan’s Rookie and Simulator Driver. The British racer is currently competing in the GB3 Championship, where she scored a strong fifth on debut at Silverstone earlier this season.

“I’m really excited to get out on track and to work with the team again. I’ve driven street circuits before but never in such a high-powered car, so it will be an amazing opportunity," says Pulling.

"Berlin looks like a fun track - Gabriele has been there with the team before, so it will be interesting to work with him and get up to speed from his previous experience.

"I’ll be there for the race weekend prior to the test as well, so my goal is mainly to pick up as much information as possible, improve my understanding of the car, and make the most of the experience for both the team and myself.”

The full driver line-up:

Scheduled for the Monday following Rounds 13 and 14 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on July 12 & 13, this event is tailored to competitors who have yet to experience Formula E. It's a mandatory opportunity for all teams to field at least one driver in this session.

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