As the final leg of the Gen3Evo era gets closer, the Formula E Pre-Season Testing in Valencia allowed all 10 teams to get a taste of the updated machinery—one last step before heading into the highly anticipated Gen 4 era.

Attention is split between the established champions like Pascal Wehrlein at Porsche Formula E Team and the high-potential newcomers like Pepe Martí and Felipe Drugovich.

Meanwhile, seasoned drivers like Taylor Barnard and Joel Eriksson will be returning to the series once again.

During a press conference following the fourth day of testing, all three drivers sat down to share their thoughts on the Gen4 era, new teammates and changes.

Wehrlein Reflects on Porsche’s Dominance

As the leader and golden child of the reigning Teams’ and Manufacturers’ World Champions, Pascal Wehrlein’s experience and competitive spirit has enabled him to lead the Porsche pack.

While the Drivers’ Championship was a touch and go for him last season, the German is taking the positives into the final year of the current car.

“You cannot say it was a bad season. We definitely take those positives. We take that we won every title within the last two years, and now it’s the last season of the Gen3 car.”

Wehrlein admits there is a bittersweet feeling knowing the successful Gen3 package will soon be retired.

“It feels good and a bit sad in a way also because, we know that this package is able to win races and championships.”

Despite the several changes that will follow, he views Porsche’s run in this era with the pride and confidence of a world champion.

“We knew that probably we were overall the car and the team to beat in this era.”

Looking ahead to the next generation, Wehrlein is pragmatic.

“It’s never guaranteed that it will be the same in a new generation of cars. But still, I’m looking forward to that as well.”

The start of the season also sees a familiar face join the garage with Nico Müller as their second driver; he previously raced for Porsche’s customer team Andretti.

Wehrlein, who topped the timesheets on the opening day of pre-season testing in Valencia, is happy to welcome the new addition.

“It’s great to have him in the team. He has a lot of experience… so it’s not very difficult for him to get used to the settings and everything.”

Barnard Embraces New Challenge with DS Penske

Meanwhile, former NEOM McLaren driver and the newest addition to DS Penske, Taylor Barnard, feels like a fish out of water.

After an impressive rookie year, Barnard is focused on securing that elusive first Formula E race win with his new team.

“It’s been very good so far. Of course, we’ve done lots of work on the simulator back at the factory, but now is the first chance we actually get to the track together,”

He’s quickly found a rapport with the team, highlighting a strong working relationship with his engineers.

The transition, however, presents a challenge, with a change in teams and powertrain, requiring him to learn “a whole new setup”.

“It depends on how fast I can get used to the team, how well I’m working with my engineers from the beginning… I have a changed powertrain, which is also very difficult.

Despite the hurdles, his confidence remains high:

“Yeah, I have some confidence in myself after last year, but let’s see how it goes.”

Pepe Martí Joins the Grid

Also stepping up to the top tier of electric racing is rookie Pepe Martí, who is driving for CUPRA KIRO.

The Spanish driver views the championship as a crucial step, featuring the highest calibre of competition.

Martí expressed great enthusiasm not only for the new season, but also for future developments, mentioning the exciting prospect of a race in his home country.

“Gen4 on the horizon and a race in Madrid as well, which is something I’m very excited for.”

He views his move to Formula E as a significant, albeit challenging, progression in his career—he stressed the prestige and difficulty of his new environment:

“We’ve got drivers like Pascal, very proven successful drivers. So, it’s also good for me to learn and to keep improving.”

Martí is clearly eager to learn from the “mejor pilots” (best drivers) in the series, which promises steep but rewarding learning curve.

Heading to São Paulo

Pre-Season Testing took place at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain—featuring 5 days of rigorous testing and the second edition of the All-Women’s Test.

Formula E Season 12 begins in São Paulo, Brazil, on December 6th, 2025, kicking off the last time we see the Gen3Evo’s on track.