Bustamante to participate in Formula E Women’s Test with McLaren

MANILA: Filipino race car driver Bianca Bustamante will participate in the women’s testing program of Formula E with McLaren.

The Laguna native will field the new Formula E GEN3 Evo race car.

Per the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, the said test aims to provide female race drivers with a destination as well as a pathway to develop their careers and skills using current Formula E technology.

Bustamante — under NEOM McLaren Formula E Team — will run laps in the single-seater motorsport championship for electric cars with Ella Lloyd.

“I am very pleased with the Women’s Test taking place during Valencia Pre-Season Testing, and am excited to be welcoming Bianca and Ella trackside as part of the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team,” NEOM McLaren Electric Racing Managing Director and NEOM McLaren Formula E Team Team Principal Ian James said.

“Both drivers have had a smooth integration into the team and have already been developing their skills in the simulator as part of their preparation,” he added.

The Formula E Women’s Test will take place next month in Valencia, Spain.

Bustamante's credentials

Bustamante joined McLaren in October last year and has represented the team in the 2024 F1 Academy season with ART Grand Prix.

Prior to her signing, the Filipino race driver won multiple karting championships across Asia in her younger years and has competed in other race series such as W Series, Formula 4 UAE Championship, Italian Formula 4, and USF Juniors.

“I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a GEN3 Evo car with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team next month in Valencia. I’ve already been honing my skills in the simulator, and working with the team so I can extract the most from this opportunity as I can. I’m really looking forward to it,” Bustamante noted.

Lloyd's qualifications

Lloyd, on the other hand, has competed in race events like the Ginetta Junior Championship, Ginetta GT Championship, Formula Winter Series, and British F4.

The Welsh is now signed with the McLaren Driver Development program and will represent the team in the 2025 F1 Academy season with Rodin Motorsport.

“I’m really excited to be part of the Women’s Test with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. This opportunity will allow me to gain valuable experience in Formula E GEN3 Evo machinery and continue to develop my skills as a racing driver. I can’t wait to get going,” Lloyd stated.

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