The F2 and F3 talent heading into Formula E testing

Formula E is hosting seven junior drivers in its testing next week

Formula E’s popularity has started to increase significantly with 2021/2022 hitting a peak of 216 million live viewers. Jehan Daruvala who is currently racing in F2 was announced as a reserve driver for Mahindra back in November 2022. He also recently said how he sees Formula E as his ‘future’.

The future of Formula E

“Formula E is different from what I have been racing in the past. Being a reserve driver, I have a lot of work to do behind the scenes. I am constantly working and evolving. I am keen on getting a race seat here and I am working towards that goal.”

When he hasn’t been training for F2, he has been working on Formula E simulators to help the team.

Recently, however, a group of F2 and F3 drivers were announced as rookie testers in Berlin.

Joining Daruvala will be the 2022 F2 winner Felipe Drugovich, Alpine reserve driver Victor Martins, and Redbull academy driver Zane Maloney. Three drivers from F3 will also be attending and they are Jonny Edgar, Hugh Barter and Luke Browning.

Drugovich who is the current Aston Martin reserve driver spoke about the opportunity he has been given. He will be doing his test with Maserati MSG Racing next Monday during the double-header at the Berlin E-Prix.

“Formula E is a category that has always fascinated me, and it will be intriguing to experience the differences of a fully electric car in comparison to the single-seaters I’ve raced in recent seasons.”

“Knowing that I will be playing an active role in the development of such an iconic brand, in its first season back in world championship motorsport, is a huge honour. I’m very excited.”

With Formula E growing in viewership every year, it’s going to be interesting to see other drivers join the championship.

Daruvula has decided Formula E is the career path for him instead of F1. It will be exciting to see what other F2 and F3 drivers take this step and focus on getting into Formula E instead of F1.

Maloney and Martins view on Formula E

Maloney, who is a Red Bull junior and finished just five points behind the French champion last season gave his opinion on the opportunity he was given to test drive a Formula E car this weekend.

“Driving in Formula E is going to be a new experience for me so I’m very grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank everyone at Andretti for making this possible. I will be trying to learn as much as I can during this test and gain some beneficial experience in the Gen 3 car.”

Martins, who graduated to F2, after an amazing campaign in F3  gave his thoughts on what it is like to be a Formula E testing driver.

“It’s a huge honor to be selected for the Rookie Test with Nissan Formula E. The team has a close relationship with the Alpine Academy, which I’m a part of, and it’s a great chance for me to experience a Formula E car for the first time. I’ve already been in the simulator and found it really interesting. There’s a lot to learn and I have to use a different style of driving. It’s a great opportunity to keep expanding my skillset across different cars, and I’m excited to give it a try. I’ll look to make the most of the test and learn as much as I can from the team and my time on track.”

With the different talent announced as testing drives in Formula E, there is still three teams to confirm who will be testing for them. NIO 333, Jaguer and DS Penke still to confirm who will be testing for them.

With the talent enterting the Formula E testing which F2 drivers will prevail and who will we see in future Formula E seasons?

Featured image credits: Getty Images