Formula E announce second groundbreaking all-female test

Formula E has revealed that it will put on a second groundbreaking all-female test at the end of October, the same week as official pre-season testing. 

Ahead of the final season of the current Gen3 regulations cycle, pre-season testing will return to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia, from October 27-30. 

Testing was switched to Jarama in Madrid at the last-minute almost a year ago after Valencia was rocked by devastating floods. As a result, the first all-female test was also moved to Madrid, featuring several stars from F1 Academy. 

The same is expected on October 31, where 20 female drivers will tackle the circuit using the current Gen3 Evo machinery. 

For the second running of the test, the duration of the test has been doubled, consisting of a morning and afternoon session, each lasting three hours.

Drivers like Abbi Pulling, Jamie Chadwick and Bianca Bustamante can all be expected to drive in the test.

Alongside the all-women test, Formula E will host a special edition of the FIA Girls on Track programme, which will see 100 local young women take part in workshops and meet the drivers.

"We're pleased to be returning with our second all-women’s test," said Jeff Dodds, Formula E CEO. "Last year’s event was a landmark moment and its success has laid a foundation for what comes next. 

"This year, with double the track time, we're offering an even greater platform for elite women drivers to demonstrate their talent in our cutting-edge GEN3 Evo race car.

“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% faster than an F1 car, just as our Championship drivers do. 

"We've already seen this initiative lead to real career progression for multiple drivers, and we expect this year's test to open even more doors.”