Formula E Gen3 cars on track for first time as testing begins
The Formula E Gen3 cars have hit the track for the first time as testing gets underway ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Just weeks before the debut race of the campaign in Mexico City on 14 January, all 11 teams and 22 drivers have been getting familiar with the new generation of cars on the first of a three-day test in Valencia.
The debut session got underway at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo on 13 December, and it was Maserati MSG Racing's Maximilian Guenther who set the fastest time in the morning before going on to again top the timesheets in the afternoon session, with a quickest time overall of 1:26.221.
It was a decent showing for the TAG Heuer Porsche squad too. Pascal Wehrlein ended the day in second, while teammate Antonio Felix da Costa claimed third.
While Guenther's fellow Maserati driver Edoardo Mortara took P4, reigning World Champion Stoffel Vandoorne – who joins DS Penske for the new season – slotted into fifth.
Vandoorne's teammate and fellow champion Jean-Eric Vergne was just behind in sixth.
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Ups and downs during first Formula E test
While the weather was initially dry, rain hit the track as the day went on, making conditions difficult for the drivers to navigate.
Showers during the morning session resulted in Mitch Evans spinning at the exit of Turn 5, leading him to beach his Jaguar I-TYPE 6. There was a similar incident for Nick Cassidy, who spun in the Envision Racing car at Turn 6 and found himself in the gravel trap.
There was further drama in the afternoon, with the session hit by several red flags. The first was called in order for the NEOM McLaren of Jake Hughes – who, like McLaren, makes his Formula E debut this season – while Sergio Sette Camara also stopped on track between Turns 5 and 6 in the NIO 333.
With the final hour of the day a wash out, the teams and drivers will be glad to hear that better conditions are expected for day two of the test.
This day will be dedicated to race simulation ahead of an updated format being brought into effect for the new campaign. A mock practice session will take place ahead of qualifying and a full race.
The final day of testing in Valencia is scheduled for 16 December.
Check out more pictures and footage from Formula E testing below...
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