Bustamante returns to Formula E with Cupra Kiro

MANILA: Filipina race car driver Bianca Bustamante will return to Formula E after signing with Cupra Kiro to be its Development Driver.

To note, the Laguna native made an impression with her notable performance in the 2024 Formula E all-women’s test in Jarama, Spain — where she finished third racing under the McLaren banner.

In her new stint, Bustamante will don the American-owned racing team’s signature copper and fluorescent yellow colors. Here, she will shadow the team and full-time drivers Dan Ticktum and David Beckmann.

“I’m really excited to join Cupra Kiro as the team’s Development Driver as I continue my Formula E journey. In the very short time that we’ve been working together, it’s been incredible to experience the team’s disruptive approach to racing in action and to see the team’s hunger and desire for success firsthand. Working with Dan, David, and the team is an invaluable opportunity for me at this stage of my career, and I’m looking forward to applying everything I learn to the GB3 Championship in 2025. I’m excited to absorb everything on-site in Jakarta and, of course, to drive the team’s current Season 11 car in Berlin this July,” Bustamante said.

The 20-year-old’s first on-track appearance for the American-owned racing team will come at the Berlin E-Prix, where she will take part in the official rookie test at the Tempelhof Street Circuit — known for being “raw” and “unforgiving.”

To ensure she is fully prepared, the team will provide comprehensive simulator sessions and technical briefings, which are all designed to maximize her performance in the test and future opportunities.

“On behalf of the team, I’m delighted to welcome Bianca to Cupra Kiro. Since stepping up to single-seater racing only three years ago, Bianca has not only proven that she is a force to be reckoned with but has become one of the leading voices in promoting female participation in motorsport by widening the industry’s talent pipeline. Opening and fostering opportunities for next-generation racing drivers is integral to the future of our sport, and while we’re looking forward to seeing Bianca’s contribution to Cupra Kiro, we’re equally excited to support her own development as an athlete. I can’t wait to see her embed herself in the team over the coming weeks ahead of her Rookie Test outing in Berlin,” Cupra Kiro Chief Operating Officer Russell O’Hagan commented.

Bustamante will once again compete in Formula E on July 14.

She takes on this challenge while simultaneously racing in the highly competitive GB3 Championship (with Elite Motorsport), where she continues her single-seater development on the ladder to reach her Formula 1 aspirations.

With report from Carmudi Philippines

Also read: 

Bustamante makes it to SportsPro’s top 150 Most Marketable Athletes list

Bianca Bustamante headlines motorsport-themed event in SM MOA

Strong pre-season test performance boosts Bustamante’s confidence for 2024 F1 Academy campaign

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/