Maserati MSG Racing seals Drugovich and Barter for Berlin Rookie Test

Reigning FIA Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich is one of the most promising young drivers on the junior single-seater scene. The Brazilian commenced his professional racing career in 2016 and quicky tasted success by winning MRF Challenge Formula 2000 in the 2017/18 season. Felipe secured back-to-back titles in 2018 by triumphing in Euroformula Open and Spanish Formula 3 and joined Formula 1's support bill in 2020 by competing in F2.

In a campaign marked by five wins and 11 podiums, Drugovic dominated the 2022 season to seal the Drivers’ Championship by an impressive 101-point margin over his next nearest rival.

The 22-year-old is the current Reserve Driver for Aston Martin and McLaren in F1, and most recently represented the former during 2023 pre-season testing in Bahrain.

“I can’t wait to get my first taste of the Maserati Tipo Folgore and Gen3 Formula E in Berlin," he said. "Formula E is a category that has always fascinated me, and it will be intriguing to experience the differences of a fully-electric car in comparison to the single-seaters I’ve raced in recent seasons. Knowing that I will be playing an active role in the development of such an iconic brand, in its first season back in World Championship motorsport, is a huge honour. I’m very excited.”

Australian-Japanese racer Hugh Barter first sat behind the wheel at the age of six, and after excelling on the go-karting scene, stepped up to single-seaters in 2021. He was runner-up in French F4 after scoring 12 wins and 22 podiums in the series across two seasons and finished as the runner-up in Spanish F4 last season.

For 2022, he joined the F1 support bill by making his competitive debut in FIA Formula 3, driving for Campos Racing.

“I would like to thank Maserati MSG Racing for giving me the opportunity to experience Formula E for the very first time," said Barter. "I’ve really enjoyed my experience in the sim so far and I can’t wait to get out on the track in Berlin. Working closely with James, Edo and Max will be an invaluable learning experience for me, especially at this stage of my career.”

Sgro: 'Maserati synonymous with innovation, supporting the next generation'

“We’re delighted to welcome Felipe [Drugovich] and Hugh [Barter] to the team for our rookie test in Berlin," says James Rossiter, Team Principal, Maserati MSG Racing. "It provides a key chance for the next generation of racing talent to experience electric motorsport for the first time. In Felipe and Hugh, we’ll have a driver line-up formed from experience and youth. We can’t wait for them to take to the track in the GEN3 car in Berlin.”

Giovanni Sgro, Head of Maserati Corse adds: "We are excited to see new talent approaching the highest levels of motorsport, especially in an innovative and modern series like Formula E and with young drivers like Felipe and Hugh. Rookie tests can be the best platform and opportunity for both drivers and teams to discover future talent and giving the guys a chance to prove and show their capabilities. 

"Maserati has always been synonymous with innovation and a forward-thinking brand, and we are pleased to encourage and support activities for the next generation, who represent the future of motorsport. We are confident that Felipe and Hugh will have a great test session and we look forward to seeing their racing careers evolve.”