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While drivers get to experience electric motorsport, often for the first time, organisations receive a vital window to continue their car development. It’s a two-way trade-off which can have a big bearing on the future.
Eight of the current 22 Formula E World Championship drivers got their full time race seat following a rookie test or after fulfilling a reserve driver role in Formula E.
For this reason, Maserati MSG Racing welcomed Felipe Drugovich and Hugh Barter into its fold, and after one day of running, the duo left the paddock on Monday after making quite an impression.
With our running programs completed, and with nearly 200 laps on the board, the test was productive but for Felipe, a 1:05.509 run gave the young Brazilian session-topping and headline-grabbing pace.
We caught up the reigning Formula 2 champion after the test to see how he enjoyed his first experience of Formula E.
“My first test was really good,” said the 22-year-old, who since triumphing in F2 last season, has spent extensive time testing with Aston Martin in Formula One.
“We got through the whole testing program; I did a lot of laps, and I enjoyed every second of being on track.
“The car was really fun to drive, and I was positively surprised by it. As a driver, it’s important for me to enjoy what I’m driving and the Gen3 definitely exceeded my expectations.
“The brakes are very different to anything I’ve used before – you have to brake in a different way and use them in a different way which took some getting used to.
“But, at the end of the day, it’s just a car with four wheels, and you always learn to get used to differences and adapt with time.”
After arriving in the paddock on Saturday morning, Felipe explained that he settled into Maserati MSG Racing quickly, and found the test not only insightful but enjoyable too.
“I’m on the sidelines this season, and I want to race again, but there are a lot of different categories that interest me,” he commented. “The more I do this season, the better prepared I’ll be for whatever comes next.
“The team was very welcoming, and I felt at home.
“The organisation is much bigger than any Formula 2 team I’ve worked with and while there were a lot of different people involved at different levels, it was still close and personal and it felt like a supportive environment.
“That was very important to me,being in new surroundings with new people.”
Felipe’s session-topping speed, alongside his invaluable insight and perspective, will play a key role in the development of our Maserati Tipo Folgore for the remainder of the season.
“Formula E is a unique animal,” added Felipe. “Comparing it to any other category is like comparing running to riding a bike – they’re completely different.
“The best part of today was topping the session, and I hope my work will help the team move forwards this season.”
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