Jamie Chadwick has spoken of her excitement at her forthcoming participation in the all-female FIA Formula E test in Jarama.
The Brit, who to many is the face of female motorsport participation, is driving for Jaguar TCS Racing in the afternoon test, the first of its kind for any FIA-backed championship.
Chadwick isn’t a stranger to Formula E, having tested for Jaguar once before and driving the GEN3 demo car last year in Portland.
She is aware the car is “a different beast,” but says: “I think going with an open mind, obviously done a bit of preparation on the simulator, but it’s quite a different beast, and this track as well is quite exciting as well, so yeah, just kind of open-minded, learn as much as I can, and enjoy as much as I can of the day.”
Chadwick cites her “good relationship” with Jaguar, citing her previous test with them, and reiterates that she will also drive for them in the rookie test that will take place after the Berlin E-Prix in July.
One of the tests for all drivers this week has been the change of venue, owing to the disaster in Valencia. Many have not been able to have sim time, and Chadwick says she will “never [going to] learn it properly in the three hours, but looking forward to getting the most out of it.”
Chadwick ‘open to options’ with America future uncertain
Chadwick’s success in various forms of racing has seen her propelled into being one of the most recognisable women drivers in the world, and she praises Formula E for being so proactive in promoting women having the chance to compete more.
I think it’s fantastic. I think the positive reaction kind of sums it up in many ways. But I think it’s great. It’s a huge opportunity for all of us.
“Just seat time is critical in any championship, but in Formula E especially. The teams and the drivers get very limited running, so to break into it is increasingly more difficult so I think it’s a great opportunity for all of us.
“Hopefully we can start to build relationships with the teams, get a taste for it, and see what the future holds.”
Despite taking a win in Indy NXT last season, Chadwick confirms her future in racing in America is “increasingly more difficult”, saying her future is “TBC”, but she is “open to all options.
She says that “potentially” will continue with her pundit duty on Formula E TV coverage also, saying: “I enjoy doing all sorts of different stuff as well alongside the racing.”
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