Former Red Bull driver lands Formula E outing

Former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat will get a third taste of Formula E machinery when he takes part in the championship's rookie free practice session in Jeddah.

The Russian driver, who raced in F1 for Toro Rosso, Red Bull and AlphaTauri between 2014 and 2020, previously took part in the rookie drivers' test for NIO 333, the current CUPRA KIRO squad, in Berlin in 2023 before an all-rookie FP outing with the team at the Rome E-Prix that season.

Now 30 years of age, Kvyat will get another opportunity in the all-electric series when he takes part in the session scheduled for February 13, the day before the start of the Saudi Arabian E-Prix. He will drive for DS PENSKE, ahead of usual drivers Max Gunther and Jean-Eric Vergne. 

"With podium finishes and years of experience in high-pressure race environments, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the DS PENSKE squad," the team said upon the announcement.

Kvyat added: "I am very excited to join the team for the rookie free practice. It is my first time driving a Formula E new-generation GEN3 Evo car, and I am eager to get a feel for it on track.

"I already know some of the faces in the team, which makes this experience even more exciting! I cannot wait to get started and see where this test will take us.’"

The session will see each of Formula E's 11 teams run one rookie driver, someone who has yet to make a race start in the series.

"We’re delighted to have Daniil join us for FP0 in Jeddah," said deputy team principal Phil Charles. "His background in Formula 1 and his proven ability to perform at the highest level will provide invaluable insights for our team.

"We are looking forward to seeing how Daniil adapts to the demands of the track and contributes to our overall weekend preparations."