Formula E Teams Finalize Rookie Driver Lineup for Miami Practice Session
The excitement is building for the upcoming Miami E-Prix weekend as all participating teams have now officially confirmed their driver selections for the highly anticipated Rookie Free Practice session. This special event, scheduled to take place ahead of the main Miami E-Prix action next weekend, provides a unique platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills on the international stage.
Opportunity for Young Drivers to Shine
Before the full-time Formula E drivers take to the track for their official practice session on January 30, a select group of rookies will have the exclusive opportunity to pilot the advanced GEN3 Evo cars. This valuable session allows these promising drivers to gain crucial experience behind the wheel of Formula E machinery while simultaneously helping their respective teams gather important track data and performance insights.
The Miami Rookie Free Practice represents more than just a testing opportunity—it serves as a potential gateway to future Formula E careers for these young competitors. Strong performances during this session could significantly enhance their prospects within the electric racing championship.
Complete Rookie Driver Lineup Revealed
Nissan has emerged as the only team fully maximizing this opportunity by fielding two drivers for the Miami Rookie Free Practice. British racing talent Abbi Pulling and Italian driver Gabriele Mini will both take the wheel of the Nissan e-4ORCE 05 cars at the Miami International Autodrome on January 30.
The complete roster of participating drivers includes:
- Alessandro Giusti representing Jaguar TCS Racing in the Jaguar I-TYPE 7
- Dennis Hauger, the 2021 Formula 3 champion, selected by Andretti
- Chloe Chambers, who impressed by topping the Valencia Women's Test, driving for Mahindra Racing
- Nikita Bedrin named by DS Penske for the session
- Theo Pourchaire fielded by Citroen Racing
- Ayhancan Güven participating for Porsche
- Pepe Marti, the new Cupra Kiro driver, who will participate only in the rookie practice due to regulations classifying him as a rookie until he completes a full Formula E season
- Zak O'Sullivan, Envision Racing's simulator driver, receiving this valuable track opportunity
- Hugh Barter selected by Lola Yamaha ABT as their test driver representative
Fan Excitement and Driver Enthusiasm
Following Formula E's official announcement of the rookie lineup on Instagram, motorsport fans expressed their anticipation for the upcoming session. One enthusiastic supporter commented, "Can't wait to see what they can do," while another noted, "So many Formula 2 talents! Love to see it!!"
Andretti rookie Dennis Hauger mirrored this excitement, simply stating in his response, "Let's go," capturing the eager anticipation shared by all participating drivers.
Session Schedule and Participant Experience
The Miami Rookie Free Practice is scheduled to commence on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. local time, which translates to 1:00 a.m. Indian Standard Time (IST). The session will run for approximately 40 minutes, giving each driver sufficient track time to demonstrate their capabilities.
All participants bring at least some prior experience with the GEN3 Evo cars to this session, positioning them to further refine their skills and adapt to the specific challenges of the Miami International Autodrome circuit. For teams, this practice offers a firsthand evaluation of the next generation of racing talent, while drivers aim to make lasting impressions that could shape their professional futures.
The main Miami E-Prix competition will officially begin on January 31, following this important rookie practice session that sets the stage for the weekend's electric racing spectacle.
