McLaren development driver Bianca Bustamante will have her first taste of Formula E in November.
Filipina racing driver Bianca Bustamante is expected to have her first try at Formula E as she will be participating in the World Championship’s first-ever Women’s Test next month.
Bustamante, currently 7th in the standings of the F1 Academy, will be joining fellow McLaren Development Driver Ella Lloyd, who was recently signed by the England-based constructor.
The 19-year-old Filipina has had experience driving F4 cars, but will be tested in new machinery as she is set to drive a GEN3 Evo car.
Though this will be her first time behind the wheel, she has been practicing her skills through the simulator heading into the test on November 7.
“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,” said Bustamante, who competes under ART Grand Prix in F1 Academy.
During the test in Formula E, both Bustamante and Lloyd will be under the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.
“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,” said Ian James, Team Principal of the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.
“I’m glad we can provide Bianca and Ella with a platform to demonstrate their ability and build new career opportunities, as part of the championship’s commitment to develop their experience in motorsport. I’m looking forward to seeing how they get on in Valencia next month,” he added.
The first-of-its-kind Women’s Test will also feature other F1 Academy drivers like Chloe Chambers and Nerea Marti representing the Andretti Formula E Team. Each team in the World Championship is required to field at least one woman driver in the test.
Prior to her stint in Formula E, Bustamante will also be racing in Round 7 of the Italian F4 Championship at Monza from October 25 to 27. She is looking to break out of a personal slump where she’s struggled to score points in the past two months in her races.