The Porsche and Andretti Formula E teams have announced their line-ups for the rookie test that will take place in Berlin later this month.
The event will mark the first of the two rookie tests of the year with every team having to run both cars.
To qualify for the test, the driver must have never competed in Formula E machinery unlike the equivalent Formula 1 rule that allows up to three race appearances.
The first team to announce its line-up was Porsche, enlisting team reserve driver David Beckmann and Yifei Ye, who will compete in WEC with Porsche customer team Jota.
Beckmann also acts as the reserve for Porsche customer team Andretti, a role he has had within the team for the last two years and is relishing the opportunity to get back in the car after having some outings in testing.
“For me, it’s a fantastic experience to enter the new era of Formula E with Porsche this season,” he said. “I already got the chance to drive the new Porsche 99X Electric on the racetrack at the official Formula E test in Calafat. It was very impressive. I’m really looking forward to the rookie test and getting to know our car even better.”
Beckmann is set to deputise for Andre Lotterer during the Jakarta round, putting his ability to take part in the Rome test in doubt.
Despite only being 22, Ye is immensely experienced in sports cars, winning both the Asian and European Le Mans series as well as participating in WEC. The Chinese Driver says he is looking forward to learning from Porsche drivers Antonio Felix Da Costa and Pascal Wehrlein.
“I’ve always wanted to drive a Formula E car and I’m grateful that Porsche is giving me that opportunity. For me, this is an interesting new challenge that I’m really excited to get stuck into. Beforehand, I’ll follow the races in Berlin closely from the pits and try to learn as much as possible from António and Pascal.”
Sister team Andretti has also announced their lineup, looking to the junior categories in both Europe and America. Red Bull Junior and F2 driver Zane Maloney and IndyNXT 2022 Champion Linus Lundqvist will take part in the test for the American team.
Lundqvist has been unable to secure a seat in 2023 after changes to his IndyLights scholarship package. However, it is understood he has been in talks with Andretti for some time about this role.
The Swedish driver is excited about the opportunity and the challenges that come with driving in Formula E.
“I’m super excited and grateful for the occasion,” he said.
“It will be great to experience a completely new car and series that I’ve not driven in before. I know it’s going to be very different to anything I’ve done before, but I’m doing my best to be as prepared as possible to have a successful test with the Avalanche Andretti Formula E team.”
Meanwhile, Maloney has had a busy year, signing for the Red Bull Junior team and becoming the F1 team reserve alongside his F2 campaign. On the opportunity, Maloney said he is excited about the chance to test in a different series.
“I’m very excited to be part of the Berlin Rookie Test with Avalanche Andretti Formula E. Driving in Formula E is going to be a new experience for me so I’m very grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank everyone at Andretti for making this possible. I will be trying to learn as much as I can during this test and gain some beneficial experience in the GEN3 car.”
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