Kvyat set for Formula E rookie test

Daniil Kvyat has joined the list of names taking part in the Formula E rookie free practice session ahead of the Jeddah E-Prix on Feb. 13.

The former-Formula 1 driver — who made 110 starts for Toro Rosso, Red Bull, and AlphaTauri, scoring three podium finishes — will drive for DS Penske in the 40-minute session that is open to drivers that haven’t taken part in a Formula E race before.

“I am very excited to join the team for the rookie test,” said Kvyat. “It is my first time driving a Formula E new-generation car, and I am eager to get a feel for it on track. I already know some of the faces in the team, which makes this experience even more exciting. I cannot wait to get started and see where this test will take us.”

Since his last F1 outing at the end of 2021, Kvyat has competed in the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series, as well as the World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. He previously took part in Formula E’s 2023 rookie test in Berlin and that year’s rookie practice session at the Rome E-Prix for NIO.

“We’re delighted to have Daniil join us for FP0 in Jeddah,” said DS Penske deputy team principal Phil Charles. “His background in Formula 1 and his proven ability to perform at the highest level will provide invaluable insights for our team. We are looking forward to seeing how Daniil adapts to the demands of the track and contributes to our overall weekend preparations.”

Also announced this week for the Jeddah rookie free practice were sports car racer Mikkel Jensen, who will drive for Cupra Kiro; McLaren junior Alex Dunne, who will drive for NEOM McLaren; and Théo Pourchaire, who will drive for Maserati MSG Racing.

Nissan has enlisted Italian Formula 2 ace Gabriele Mini, who drove for the team in last season’s rookie test after the Berlin E-Prix, while Jaguar TCS Racing will have another returnee in Jamie Chadwick, who drove for the team at the series’ female driver test in November

Kush Maini and Zak O’Sullivan were previously announced for Mahindra and Envision Racing respectively, with Lola Yamaha Abt, Andretti, and TAG Heuer Porsche still to confirm their drivers. All 11 teams must field one rookie driver in the session.