Ahead of the highly-anticipated Monaco E-Prix this weekend, the Shanghai-Silverstone based squad have shared the exciting news that they labeled a “significant milestone in motorsport”.
García is a hugely influential and talented driver, who gained worldwide attention when she won the very first season of F1 Academy last year – with the Managing Director of F1 Academy being former Venturi Formula E Team Principal, Susie Wolff.
This season she will be racing with the Iron Dames in the highly competitive Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA).
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"I am thrilled to join ERT Formula E Team for the Berlin Rookie Test,” García said about the announcement. “Formula E represents the future of motorsport, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to experience it firsthand. I've been following the championship closely, and I'm eager to get behind the wheel of the ERT X24 car and contribute to the team's development. This test is a stepping stone in my career, and I'm determined to make the most of it."
The Berlin Rookie Test allows teams to give new talent a chance to try the latest Formula E machinery, as has been the birthplace for many of the biggest talents in the paddock today.
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"We are incredibly excited to welcome Marta García to the ERT Formula E family for the Berlin Rookie Test," said Alex Hui, Team Principal of ERT Formula E Team. "Marta's exceptional talent and achievements in F1 Academy are undeniable. This test serves as a fantastic platform to showcase her skills within the dynamic environment of Formula E. We are confident that Marta will quickly adapt to the unique demands of electric racing and provide valuable insights for the team."
What classifies as a rookie?
To be able to take part in the session, drivers must hold either a full E-Licence or at the least a Free Practice only E-Licence. They also can’t have taken part in a Formula E race weekend, so there is no chance you’ll be able to qualify for the session if you’ve already got race experience from a previous E-Prix, for example.
They will also need to complete a specific training session on electrical safety, understand the features of the fully-electric Formula E car, and know the technical and sporting regulations for the championship.
From the various test days given to teams over the season, a maximum of two of the six official days can be reserved for rookie drivers. They can only participate in up to two official test days.
Why do drivers take part?
For those curious about electric racing and competing in the world's leading electric racing championship, it is a fantastic opportunity to try it out first-hand. With the grid always being packed to the brim with such a high standard of talent, finding a seat can be a challenge - so much so, journalists and drivers alike have called the Formula E field the best in motorsport. However, you’re more likely to get the attention of the big bosses if you impress in the test.
Since the last rookie test in 2020, several drivers have made the step up to a full-time race seat. Jaguar TCS Racing’s Nick Cassidy, Nissan’s Sacha Fenestraz, NEOM McLaren’s Jake Hughes, Andretti's Norman Nato and ERT's Sergio Sette Camara all qualified as rookies last time out and are now some of the brightest stars on the grid.
SCHEDULE: Where, when and how to watch or stream the 2024 Monaco E-Prix Round 8
Free Practice 1 is go on Saturday from 07:25 local time, with Free Practice 2 from 09:05. Qualifying follows at 10:40 and Round 8 itself starts at 15:00 local.
WATCH: How to watch or stream Formula E's Monaco E-Prix weekend where you are
View the full schedule in your time zone and check the broadcaster listings to find out where to watch all the racing action where you live.