Photo: McLaren
FIA Formula 3 race-winner Taylor Barnard will drive for McLaren in Formula E’s upcoming pre-season test at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo circuit.
The 19-year-old Briton came 10th in his rookie FIA F3 campaign this year, with three podiums in the last four races. He started 2023 by racing in Formula Regional Middle East, and took two wins en route to being championship runner-up.
Barnard spent 2020 to ’22 racing in Formula 4, taking one podium in the Italian championship, one win in the United Arab Emirates championship and five wins in ADAC F4 as he came second in the German-based series’ final season last year.
“I’m really excited to get my first taste of FE with the McLaren FE team in Valencia next week. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and complete my first laps in Gen3 machinery,” said Barnard.
McLaren’s FE team principal Ian James added: “I am delighted that we can give Taylor his first taste of electric racing in Valencia next week. He has already proven himself to be an up-and-coming talent in single seater motorsport, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he gets on in McLaren FE team machinery.”
There are several junior single-seater racers that will be in action in the FE test, which takes place on October 23-27, and it is believed teams are required to run ‘young drivers’ on at least one day of the test although FE has not announced that.
Red Bull junior Zane Maloney has been confirmed as testing for Andretti Global, and his Formula 2 rival Victory Martins is anticipated to be testing too.