Formula E and FIA’s All-Women’s Test returns to Spain on Friday, October 31st, as part of the championship’s pre-season test, and it’s set out to be another trailblazing event for women in motorsport.

It’s An All-Women Day in Valencia

After a successful first edition in Madrid last year, the Formula E Championship All-Women’s Test is back on Spanish soil. 20 female racers will participate in a testing session, only this time around the girls will have even more time in the cockpit.

The female pilots will drive the same GEN3 Evo racing car as the competing drivers, which is the current running spec. The Formula E teams have all jumped on board and are required to enter at least one woman driver for the full-day session.

“We are delighted to be offering talented female racers another invaluable opportunity to gain experience and showcase their skills in the series.” – Pablo Martino, Head of Formula E at the FIA

A Landmark for Female Drivers

What makes this All-Women’s Test remarkable is that Formula E is the first single-seater series where the women will test the same car as the one used in the championship, instead of restricted or older-spec ones. The CEO of Formula E, Jeff Dodds, has shared:

“We’ve already seen this initiative lead to real career progression for multiple drivers, and we expect this year’s test to open even more doors.”

Last year represented a landmark opportunity for women, as five drivers have gone into development roles, while three have even secured a seat at a Formula E team.

The Future of Motorsport is for the Girls

At the same time as the testing, Formula E has announced a parallel event in collaboration with the FIA Girls on Track, where 100 local young women will get the chance to be part of the racing fun for the day.

The girls will participate in practical educational workshops, as well as get the chance to meet the teams and drivers. This comes as the series and governing body’s continuous involvement in ensuring an equal and diverse environment in the indusry, while advocating for the crucial role of women in motorsport and the need for more visibility for female racers.

Formula E’s test initiative continues to be a groundbreaking moment for fans and profesionals in the motorsport world alike. Not only does it re-assert the rightful place of females into the cockpit of a race car on the same level as their fellow male drivers, but it also speaks to the young girls at home watching the TV and believing now, more than ever, that they do deserve to be there too.

The race towards full inclusivity and diversity in motorsport is still far from the finish line. We still need more racing series to take in such programmes and allow for the visibility of women racers on even bigger, more influential platforms. However, every win for female racers counts, and we need to be here to celebrate and cheer for each one of them.