First drivers named for Formula E rookie test

The first two drivers for Formula E’s upcoming rookie free practice session in Jeddah have been announced, with Kush Maini and Zak O’Sullivan being named as part of the 11-driver line-up.

Formula 2 race winner Maini (pictured above) will drive for Mahindra, returning to the team in which he served as test and reserve driver for last season, a role that also included an outing at the in-season rookie test after the Berlin E-Prix.

“I was very impressed with my first experience of Formula E in Berlin last season, and the new GEN3 Evo car is clearly another step up from that,” said Maini. “I’ve been watching closely across the first two races this season and can’t wait to get behind the wheel for myself.

“The team has had a very strong start to the season, with a lot of the hard work from last year coming to fruition. It’ll be great to be back in that environment, and I’m sure with Mahindra’s ongoing support, we can have a productive session and build on the learnings from last year.”

More Formula E

Evans and Jaguar to part ways after 10 years

Formula E's GEN4 car has already met expectations - Dodds

GEN4 will change perceptions of Formula E - Rossiter

Mahindra Racing CEO and team principal Frederic Bertrand commented that Maini’s strong performance in Berlin last season, where he finished the day fifth overall, meant that it was a “no-brainer” to ask him back for the latest rookie gathering.

“Kush impressed everybody at the team in his role as our Reserve Driver last season, and it was a no-brainer to continue that relationship for the Rookie Free Practice in Jeddah,” he said. “We’ve made a strong start to the season with our new car, but it’s important we make use of all the track time available to us to keep progressing.

“Kush’s work ethic, diligence and skill make him the perfect choice to slot into the team for the session, especially on what will be a new circuit for all the teams.”

O’Sullivan, meanwhile, will be getting his first taste of Formula E, driving for Envision Racing. The Brit’s running in the 40-minute session comes as part of a wider role at the team for him, having recently joined the outfit as a simulator driver.

“I’m very excited to be going to Jeddah to test a Formula E car for the first time,” said O’Sullivan. “It is going to be a new challenge for me. “The session itself will provide a good opportunity for me to learn the car and I will also be making sure I spend as much time with the team as possible across the race week, so I absorb as much as I can.”

O'Sullivan competed in Formula 2 last year as well, claiming a Feature win in Monaco, as well as a Sprint win at Spa-Francorchamps. This season he will compete in Japan’s Super Formula series.

"We are thrilled to have Zak joining the team and drive in the first rookie session of the year,” said Envision Racing managing director and CTO Sylvain Filippi. “We have been very impressed with his results to date and look forward to watching how he adapts to Formula E and integrates within our team.”

Each of Formula E’s 11 teams will be obligated to run one car in the session, which takes place on Thursday February 13, ahead of the doubleheader weekend which takes place at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the same track used by Formula 1, albeit on a modified layout. It will be the second test of the GEN3 Evo cars organized for drivers other than Formula E’s regular race roster following the female driver test that took place at the conclusion of pre-season testing in Jarama, Spain, last November.