Photo: McLaren
The entry list for Formula E’s annual rookie test in Berlin is filling up, with several starts of junior single-seater racing down to drive on July 14.
McLaren Driver Development Programme members Alex Dunne and Ella Lloyd will test for their backer’s FE squad, which Dunne is the reserve driver for. The 19-year-old started in that role this year, and has already contested an FE practice session.
“I’m very excited to be getting another opportunity in the Gen3 Evo at the Berlin rookie test next month,” said Dunne, who is currently in his rookie Formula 2 season and is leading the title race. The Irishman raced in FIA Formula 3 last year.
“Since I joined the team as reserve and development driver, I’ve learnt so much about what it takes to get the maximum out of these cars, and I can’t wait to get out on track again.”
Lloyd too has FE mileage already as she drove on the final day of 2024-25 pre-season testing last November when teams were required to run a woman in at least one of their cars for at least one session.
The 19-year-old Welshwoman is in her second year of racing in Formula 4. As a rookie she claimed four podiums in British F4, and came 11th in the standings after missing a round. She is missing rounds again this season while her focus is on the all-female F1 Academy series where she sits fourth in the points at present with one win and three other podiums.
“I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the Gen3 Evo car again,” said Lloyd. “I learnt so much at the women’s test in Madrid and I’m excited to have another opportunity to get out on track and put all the preparation I’ve been doing in the simulator into practice.”
Bianca Bustamante also drove for McLaren in the women’s test day, and has now been signed by the Cupra-partnered Kiro Race Co. team (formerly known as Team China Racing, NIO and then ERT) as its development driver and for the rookie test.
The 20-year-old Filipino drove in Formula Regional in 2022, coming 15th in the all-female W Series, then stepped down to F4. She went on to win in F1 Academy and score in a British F4 cameo. This year she’s moved back up the single-seater ladder to GB3, where she is currently 24th in the standings with a best finish of 13th.
“I’m really excited to join Cupra Kiro,” said 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.”
DS Penske has announced the creation of its own driver development programme, and made Nikita Bedrin its first signing and rookie test entrant.
The 19-year-old Russian is an FIA F3 Championship race-winner and cameoed in the 2025 season opener. Since then he has raced in the FRegional European Championship.