Lola Yamaha ABT has announced that Miki Koyama (Miki) will represent the team in Formula E’s first all-female test session, at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia.
Miki has achieved impressive results in her career, becoming the first female racer to win a mixed-gender, single-seater FIA Championship, securing the 2022 Formula Regional Japanese Championship. Miki, who is part of the Toyota Gazoo Racing driver development programme, is currently competing in the Super GT Championship. She also competed in the W Series from 2019 to 2021 and recently won the Suzuka round of the Super Taikyu Japanese Endurance Race in the ST-X Class.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Miki to the team. As our recent signing of Zane Maloney, himself a Formula E rookie, demonstrates, our commitment to accelerate the next generation of motorsport extends beyond the technology to the drivers themselves. Providing greater opportunities for women throughout the paddock is a key part of that vision,” said Chairman of Lola Cars Ltd, Till Bechtolsheimer.
“Going into any season, but as a new team in particular, every second of pre-season testing is invaluable. We’re highly confident not only in Miki’s abilities to maximise this opportunity for herself, but to use her experience to help us with our key development goals during this vital time for the team.”
Miki commented, “The upcoming test in Valencia is a great chance to experience the next generation of Formula E cars, and I’m looking forward to making the most of my time in the car, and to also provide constructive feedback to the team as we prepare for the upcoming season. It’s exciting to be part of such a progressive initiative as the all-female test, it’s a brilliant platform to learn, showcase our abilities, and support the team’s development.”
The first event of its kind in any FIA championship, the session will take place on Thursday 7th November, during pre-season testing at Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia. With each team required to field at least one female driver in a current-season car, the women-only session aims to provide a platform for a demographic of elite drivers who may not otherwise get an opportunity to showcase their abilities at this level.
Every driver set for Formula E's Women's Test in Valencia
The drivers will also take part in press conferences, briefings and interviews to help raise their profiles within elite motorsport and inspire those hoping to follow in their footsteps at both grassroots and professional levels.