With the Madrid weekend slowly approaching, teams are starting to confirm their line-up for the Rookie Test on March 22nd. Lola Yamaha are the next team to announce their line-up. Returning to the team, Hugh Barter will take on the yellow and blue livery, and joining him for the first time, Richard Verschoor vacates the second seat.
Barter Makes His Return
Barter returns to the all-electric cars, marking the Madrid Rookie Test as his fourth appearance in Formula E. The 20-year-old is no stranger to these tests, having recently participated in the Miami Free Practice session earlier this season. He finished in ninth place, extracting crucial information for Lola on a track that they had not raced at before. Discussing his development with the team, Barter explains
”Following the Rookie Free Practice in Miami in January, I’m really looking forward to having more time on track in the T001, both for my own experience and to help provide more in-depth feedback to the team.”
Barter takes on a crucial role within Lola, extending past just being a driver on the track. Currently, he vacates the role of Simulator Driver, feeding back information to the team about the current Gen3 Evo car and the development of the Gen4 Era car. For a team like Lola’s, who are fighting to beat their last-place finish last season, a simulator driver like Barter is essential to improve performance. Mark Preston, Team Principal of Lola Yamaha, highlights how much of an asset Barter is to the team.
”It’s also great that Hugh is once again joining us to take to the track in the Lola T001. The more time he spends with us both on track and in the sim, the more invaluable his feedback has become. So, we look forward to getting additional input from him in Madrid while giving him crucial development time on track.”
A First-Time Debut
Joining Barter for the Rookie Test, Richard Verschoor will make his Formula E debut in Madrid. With his first opportunity in the all-electric racecraft, challenges may be faced but good challenges nonetheless. Verschoor is aware that eyes will be on him but is excited for the challenge. He expresses
”I’m excited to be joining Lola Yamaha ABT for the Rookie Test in Madrid. Driving the T001 will be my first outing in a Formula E car. I’m eager to learn and push forward together with the team.”
Though this is Verschoor’s first time in an electric car, he is not one to be overlooked. His successes in Formula 2 put him in a good position to really aid the team with their goals moving forward. Obtaining multiple victories in the series across the five years he competed in, Verschoor gained a wealth of experience that he can share with the Lola team.
Currently a member of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, it will be second nature for the 25-year-old to communicate feedback to the engineers. Mark Preston has full faith in the driver, explaining that
”He is fast, knowledgeable and promising driver who we are sure will be a great asset to the team over the weekend.”
Stay tuned for updates of the Rookie Test in Madrid on March 22nd. It will be one to watch out for!