Circuit del Jarama, Tuesday 5 - Friday 8 November

Hear from NEOM McLaren Formula E Team drivers Taylor Barnard and Sam Bird, McLaren Development Drivers Bianca Bustamante and Ella Lloyd, and Team Principal Ian James after Official Pre-Season Testing and the Formula E Women’s Test in Madrid.

The Women’s Test in Madrid aims to spearhead racing talent by providing women an opportunity to gain experience in the new GEN3 Evo car, while building their motorsport opportunities. The Women’s Test took place on Friday 8 November in Madrid, Spain, and saw women drivers complete a half day of testing. The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team fielded Bianca Bustamante and Ella Lloyd for the afternoon test session. Both Bianca and Ella are part of the McLaren Driver Development programme.

Session 1 (Tuesday)	1:30.230	25 laps
Session 2 (Wednesday)	1:30.344	38 laps
Session 3 (Wednesday)	1:32.519	46 laps
Session 4 (Thursday)	1:28.307	41 laps
Session 5 (Thursday)	1:33.218	31 laps
Session 6 (Friday)	1:27.780	47 laps

“We have had a great three full days testing, and I feel it was a very positive test for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. I’ve set some strong lap times today and Sam’s pace has been very strong throughout the test. We have completed all the items we needed to test with no reliability issues, which is very positive.

“I’m very happy we were able to go testing this week in Madrid, following the terrible tragedy in Valencia. Our deepest sympathies go out to those affected by this awful disaster.

“Now, I’m ready to go racing. I’m happy with the settings on the car and the team environment – bring on São Paulo!”

Session 1 (Tuesday)	1:30.590	36 laps
Session 2 (Wednesday)	1:29.107	35 laps
Session 3 (Wednesday)	1:32.549	45 laps
Session 4 (Thursday)	1:28.743	41 laps
Session 5 (Thursday)	1:34.972	31 laps
Session 6 (Friday)	1:28.529	40 laps

“I am very pleased with the work we have done in Madrid. We have finished our programme with no major issues, which is a great confidence boost for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. My thoughts and prayers go out the people affected by the tragedy in Valencia, and I am very grateful for the work the whole Formula E paddock has put in to enable us to go testing at Jarama this week.

“Going into the first race in São Paulo, I feel excited and optimistic about the season ahead, and I’m looking forward to getting out there in a month’s time.”

“We have completed several successful days of testing here in Madrid, concluding the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team’s first official test and track action of Season 11.

“Firstly, our thoughts are still with those impacted by the terrible disaster in Valencia. Valencia is a second home to the championship, and we are wishing for a speedy recovery for the region.

“Here in Madrid we have had a positive week, completing our run plans and coming away from this test with a greater understanding of the new GEN3 Evo car. This success of this test is thanks to the detailed preparation from the team, demonstrating the operational excellence that we strive for and pride ourselves on at NEOM McLaren.

“I am also very pleased with the Women’s Test taking place during our Official Pre-Season Testing; it’s been exciting to see Bianca and Ella drive the GEN3 Evo cars for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.

“Both drivers have had a smooth integration into the team and it’s great that an opportunity like this contributes to their personal development, as well as to that of the team.

“Now our focus switches to preparation for the season opener in São Paulo. We can’t wait to get racing again!”

Bianca Bustamante #5

Session 7 (Friday)

1:31.715

39 laps

“Today was my first experience driving the Formula E GEN3 Evo car. It was a lot of fun working with the whole team. We’ve been working and building towards this moment for the past few months and I'm happy to now have had this experience driving the car. We completed some 350kW laps, and it was a lot more power than I have been used to before, which was a great experience for me to improve my skills.

“Having this experience through the McLaren Driver Development programme and NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, I feel I am becoming a better and more well-rounded driver, which was always the aim. Finishing the test in P3 is a big positive, and I am very thankful for this experience with the team.”

Ella Lloyd #8

Session 7 (Friday)

1:32.374

39 laps

“I really enjoyed my time on track with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team in Madrid this week. I spent some time with the team yesterday to get to know everyone and get some advice from Sam and Taylor to help my preparation.

“I enjoyed my time in the GEN3 Evo car on track and experiencing different types of running, getting used to the car and the power – which I wasn't yet used to. The entire experience was amazing, and I can’t thank the team and Formula E enough for this amazing opportunity to develop as a driver. It’s been a great way to kick off being a part of the McLaren Driver Development programme.”