Porsche Announces Drivers for Upcoming Madrid Formula E Rookie Test
Porsche has officially confirmed that Ayhancan Guven, the 2025 DTM champion and current Porsche factory driver, and 16-year-old Formula 4 champion Elia Weiss will take part in the upcoming Rookie Test in Madrid. The test is scheduled for March 22, one day after the inaugural Madrid E-Prix, and both drivers have shared video messages to announce their participation.
Porsche's Instagram Announcement and Driver Details
Confirming the pair for the event, Porsche wrote on Instagram: “Sun, speed and super-fast drivers! @elialuisweiss and @ayhancanguven will be taking on the Rookie Test Day in Madrid on the 22nd of March.” This marks a significant opportunity for both drivers to showcase their skills in the electric racing series.
Who Is Ayhancan Guven?
Ayhancan Guven, a 28-year-old Turkish driver, brings extensive experience to the test. He previously drove a Formula E car during the Miami Rookie Free Practice session and at the Berlin Rookie Test last year. In addition to his role as a factory driver for the Porsche Formula E team, he competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Manthey Racing.
In a video message on his Instagram Stories, Guven expressed his excitement: “Hi everyone, Ayhancan here. I will be back in Madrid with the Porsche Formula E team for the rookie test after Berlin last year. It will once again be an exciting experience with a lot of track time for us rookie drivers, so I’m really looking forward to it. See you there.” He also posted a picture captioned: “Formula E Rookie Test in Madrid, looking forward to it.”
Who Is Elia Weiss?
Elia Weiss, a 16-year-old German driver, is the son of former sportscar and Extreme E racer Claudia Hurtgen. He competes in the Italian F4 Championship with Cram Motorsport and was part of R-ACE GP, which won the UAE F4 Championship last month. Weiss also participated in the Berlin Rookie Test previously.
In his video message on Instagram Stories, Weiss said: “Hello everyone, Elia here. I’m very happy to announce that I’ll be back with the Porsche Formula E team for the rookie test. I can’t wait to get started and I’m super grateful for the opportunity. It’s going to be fun.” Following his UAE F4 win, he posted on Instagram: “The @uae4series comes to an end with a positive weekend, finishing all races in the points and a P4 in Race 2. Massive congratulations to @r.ace.gp for winning the teams’ title, more than deserved for their hard work and perseverance. Can’t wait for what’s to come!”
Significance of the Madrid Rookie Test
The Madrid Rookie Test provides a crucial platform for emerging talents like Guven and Weiss to gain experience in Formula E, a rapidly growing electric motorsport series. With the test occurring right after the Madrid E-Prix, it allows drivers to adapt to the circuit and potentially secure future roles in the championship.
- Ayhancan Guven brings DTM and endurance racing expertise.
- Elia Weiss represents the next generation with his Formula 4 success.
- Both drivers have prior Formula E test experience, enhancing their readiness.
This announcement underscores Porsche's commitment to nurturing young talent and expanding its presence in Formula E, as the series continues to evolve with new events like the Madrid E-Prix.
