PREVIEW: Season 11 kicks off with testing in Madrid ahead of Sao Paulo season-opener

Over four days this week, 11 teams will hit the track to fine-tune their preparations, with this year’s test marking a historic milestone - the first-ever all-women test session in an FIA World Championship.

Following the devastating flash floods affecting the region of Valencia, Formula E took the decision, in consultation with the FIA, local authorities and Circuit Ricardo Tormo, to relocate its pre-season testing to Circuito del Jarama in Madrid from 5-8 November. 

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Formula E testing 2024/25

While Valencia has been integral to Formula E since 2017 and holds a special place in the organisation’s heart, the decision to move was made to avoid diverting resources from local relief efforts. Formula E remains committed to supporting the recovery of the Valencia community.

Alberto Longo, Chief Championship Officer of Formula E, said: “We are incredibly thankful to be able to kick off our pre-season testing in Madrid, a move made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Circuito de Jarama team. Our thoughts are still with the Valencia community as we prepare to hit the track, as a place so close to our hearts.

“This season marks a significant milestone as we unveil the GEN3 Evo, showcasing its incredible acceleration speeds for the first time. Additionally, we are proud to make history with the inaugural women’s test - a first for an FIA Championship - reflecting our commitment to diversity and inclusion in motorsport.

"There’s so much to be excited about as we gear up for the new season, which starts next month in São Paulo. Season 11 of Formula E, ¡vamos!”

As Season 11 approaches, there’s plenty to anticipate - from a brand-new car for teams and drivers to master, to exciting grid additions and a flurry of driver changes. Here’s your comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the upcoming pre-season test.

Testing Schedule

Tuesday 5 November: 

• Official Test Session 1: 14:00 local (13:00 UTC)

Wednesday 6 November:

• Official Test Session 2: 9:00 local (8:00 UTC)
• Official Test Session 3: 14:00 local (13:00 UTC)

Thursday 7 November:

• Official Test Session 4: 9:00 local (8:00 UTC)
• Official Test Session 5: 14:00 local (13:00 UTC)  

Friday 8 November: 

• Official Test Session 6: 9:00 local (8:00 UTC)
• Women’s Test Session: 14:00 local (13:00 UTC) 

Welcoming in the GEN3 Evo era

Season 11’s pre-season test marks a new era of the championship, with the much-anticipated debut of the GEN3 Evo race car - a major milestone in electric racing technology, blending performance, sustainability, and efficiency.

READ MORE: The evolution of Formula E's race cars. The facts, stats and specifications through the eras

This groundbreaking machine, capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 1.82 seconds, is not only the quickest-accelerating FIA single-seater but also outpaces current F1 cars by 30% in acceleration, reflecting Formula E’s ongoing commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

GEN3 Evo quick facts:

• Capable of 0-60mph in 1.82 seconds (0-100kph in 1.86s), 30% faster than a current F1 car 
• New reinforced body kit that enhances aerodynamics and durability
• Enhanced all-wheel drive capabilities available in key race moments, including qualifying duels, race starts, and ATTACK MODE
• Optimised Hankook iON all-weather tyres, delivering superior grip
• Increase in percentage of reusable materials in the tyres, from 26% to 35%

For the first time, all-wheel drive will be available during select phases of race weekends, providing drivers with enhanced control and acceleration in crucial situations.

The car’s design emphasises ethical and sustainable sourcing of battery minerals to minimise environmental impact, marking a new chapter in racing innovation with a lasting commitment to the planet.

Breaking new ground: Formula E's historic Women's Test

The upcoming pre-season test will also feature a landmark event: the first-ever all-women test session in an FIA Championship. Scheduled for Friday, November 8, this session will allow elite women racing drivers to experience the new GEN3 Evo race car, equal machinery to Formula E’s official drivers.

Each team in the championship is required to field at least one woman driver for the half-day session, with teams encouraged to enter two drivers, all competing in current-season cars. This historic test has attracted top talent from across motorsport, resulting in an exciting line-up of drivers.

This session promises to be a highlight of pre-season testing, bringing all participating women drivers on track together in the same cars used earlier in the week by the 11 world-class race teams and 22 competing drivers.

Follow the action as it unfolds by tuning into Formula E’s social media channels, website, and app for live updates throughout the day.

Driver market moves

The off-season has been lively since the season finale in London, with notable driver changes reshaping the grid for Season 11.

Maximilian Günther has joined DS PENSKE, partnering two-time Formula E Champion Jean-Éric Vergne, after departing Maserati MSG Racing. Though both teams use the Stellantis powertrain, this move marks a fresh chapter for Günther, who has been in the championship since Season 5. Meanwhile, Stoffel Vandoorne has left DS PENSKE to join Maserati MSG Racing, where he will team up with newcomer Jake Hughes, who transitions from NEOM McLaren for the GEN3 Evo era.

READ MORE: The full Formula E driver line-up for 2024/25

Some teams have opted for stability, retaining their line-ups from last season. Envision Racing will continue with Robin Frijns and Season 2 World Champion Sébastien Buemi, while TAG Heuer Porsche remains committed to defending World Champion Pascal Wehrlein and his teammate António Félix da Costa. Mahindra Racing will also keep Edoardo Mortara and Nyck de Vries, and Jaguar TCS Racing’s duo Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy, will return after securing the Teams' World Championship at the Season 10 finale in London.

Andretti has seen a reshuffle, with Season 9 Champion Jake Dennis now partnered with Nico Müller, who also became a Porsche works driver during the break. Norman Nato returns to Nissan, reuniting with Oliver Rowland after a year at Andretti.

The season also brings exciting new faces: rookie Zane Maloney joins Lola Yamaha ABT in their inaugural Formula E season, pairing with Season 3 World Champion Lucas di Grassi. NEOM McLaren welcomes back Taylor Barnard, who filled in last season and will embark on his first full campaign alongside Formula E veteran Sam Bird.

Newly-rebranded Kiro Race Co. is the only team yet to confirm its driver line-up, with an announcement expected soon.

New liveries, new teams, new partners

As Season 11 approaches, several Formula E teams are undergoing significant transformations alongside the introduction of the new GEN3 Evo car.

ABT has partnered with the renowned Lola Cars and established a multi-year technical collaboration with Yamaha, rebranding as Lola Yamaha ABT for the upcoming season. Featuring an eye-catching blue and yellow colour scheme, the team boasts a strong line-up with veteran driver Lucas di Grassi and rookie Zane Maloney.

In another notable change, the Forest Road Company, a Los Angeles-based investment firm, has acquired 100% ownership of the ERT Formula E Team, which has become Kiro Race Co. Starting this season, Kiro Race Co will sport a bold black and bright green livery and has secured a technical partnership with Porsche Motorsport. This collaboration will provide the team with access to Porsche's championship-winning powertrain technology, bolstering their competitive ambitions in the championship.

Formula E's most exciting calendar to-date

Following testing this week, the season kicks off in São Paulo, Brazil, on Saturday, December 7, 2024, marking the first time the city will host the season opener. Following Brazil, the series will head to Mexico City for one of the calendar's most popular events at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

The first double-header will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on February 14 and 15, 2025, introducing a new track location in the Kingdom after being part of the calendar since Season 5. Miami will also return, bringing thrilling racing to the Homestead Miami Speedway for the first time, a significant home race event for teams like Andretti, DS PENSKE, and Kiro Race Co.

READ MORE: Season 11 calendar and the full Formula E race schedule for 2024/25

The iconic streets of Monaco will host a double-header weekend on 3 & 4 May 2025, following the successful use of the full circuit since Season 7. Tokyo will expand to a double-header format in May, complementing the return of Shanghai and the fan-favourite Jakarta race on June 21, 2025.

The season will conclude with a pair of double-headers in Berlin and London, with Berlin remaining a staple on the calendar since Formula E’s inaugural season. The grand finale in London will take place on 26 & 27 July 2025, wrapping up what promises to be an exhilarating season of electric racing.

How to follow pre-season testing

Fans can stay informed with live timing features that include a real-time interactive track map and the ability to follow their favourite drivers throughout each session.

LIVE: Follow every lap of testing live with timing, reaction and coverage at fiaformulae.com/live

Additionally, Formula E’s social media channels, website, and app will provide session reports, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights from trackside during the four-day event.

Find out more

CALENDAR: Sync the dates and don't miss a lap of Season 11

FOLLOW: Download the Formula E App on iOS or Android

WATCH: Find out where to watch every Formula E race via stream or on TV in your country

SCHEDULE: Here's every race of the 2024/25 Formula E season

HIGHLIGHTS: Catch up with every race from all 10 seasons of Formula E IN FULL