DS PENSKE is pleased to announce that Jonny Edgar will pilot the DS E-TENSE FE23 for the upcoming in-season rookie session at the historic German airfield following the 2024 Berlin E-Prix 13 May, alongside Robert Shwartzman.
Jonny Edgar is a British racing driver who is set to compete in the European Le Mans Series with AO by TF. He previously raced in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, taking victory in the season finale in Monza.
"I am thrilled to get the chance to drive a Formula E car, and I thank Jay Penske and the team for giving me this amazing opportunity," says Edgar. "As a driver I am always keen to be able to gain experience with different cars and this test offers me the chance to try a new kind of single-seater! This championship is like no other, very exciting and I canot wait to be behind the wheels of this stunning car."
In addition, he was both a member of the Red Bull Junior Team and the 2020 ADAC Formula 4 champion.
Robert Shwartzman, reserve driver for the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team, will continue his work alongside the DS PENSKE squad at Berlin Rookie Test after appearing in Misano earlier this season.
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.