Bianca Bustamante to Test for CUPRA KIRO in Formula E Madrid Rookie Test
MADRID – Bianca Bustamante will return to the cockpit of a Formula E GEN3 Evo car for the upcoming Rookie Test in Madrid on , continuing her development with the CUPRA KIRO team. The test marks Bustamante’s fourth opportunity to experience Formula E machinery, building on her initial run during the 2024 inaugural Women’s Test and subsequent appearances in the 2025 Berlin Rookie Test and the 2025/26 pre-season Women’s Test.
The 21-year-old Filipina driver joined CUPRA KIRO as a Development Driver last season and will balance her Formula E commitments with a full season in the Eurocup-3 series in 2026. This dual program reflects a strategic approach to her development, providing valuable experience in both open-wheel formulas.
Russell O’Hagan, Team Principal of CUPRA KIRO, emphasized the team’s confidence in Bustamante’s progress. “We’re really looking forward to having Bianca back in the car this weekend,” O’Hagan said. “Since joining CUPRA KIRO as our Development Driver in Season 11, Bianca has impressed us enormously, not only with her professionalism and maturity, but in the role she’s played in our development and in actively promoting female participation in motorsport more broadly.”
The Madrid Rookie Test represents a crucial opportunity for both Bustamante and CUPRA KIRO. O’Hagan highlighted the importance of maximizing the test session, stating, “We’re very excited to give Bianca her next taste of Formula E in Madrid and can’t wait to notice her build upon her current progress. This upcoming test is an important opportunity for us as a team, and we’re very eager to maximise it. I’m looking forward to revealing the second half of our driver lineup very soon.” The team’s announcement suggests potential driver changes are forthcoming, adding another layer of anticipation to the Madrid E-Prix weekend.
Bustamante herself expressed her enthusiasm for the continued opportunity to learn and refine her skills within the Formula E environment. “I’m very excited to continue building my experience in Formula E,” she stated. “After first getting behind the wheel of the CUPRA KIRO in Berlin, my most recent test in Valencia was a really positive step forward, so to be back in the car again so soon is a fantastic opportunity to keep learning, to push myself, and to apply everything I’ve been working on behind the scenes.”
Her progression through various testing opportunities underscores a deliberate path toward greater involvement in the series. Bustamante’s participation aligns with Formula E’s broader commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within motorsport. The series has consistently provided platforms for emerging talent, particularly through initiatives like the Women’s Test, which initially provided Bustamante with her first taste of Formula E competition.
The Madrid Rookie Test will allow Bustamante to further familiarize herself with the intricacies of the GEN3 Evo car, the latest iteration of Formula E’s electric race cars. The GEN3 Evo features enhanced performance capabilities and a refined aerodynamic package, presenting a new set of challenges for drivers. According to Formula E officials, the GEN3 Evo represents a significant step forward in electric racing technology.
Beyond the technical aspects, the test will too provide Bustamante with valuable experience in working with the CUPRA KIRO engineering team and adapting to the demands of a race weekend environment. The ability to effectively communicate feedback and collaborate with engineers is crucial for success in Formula E, where rapid adjustments are often necessary.
Bustamante’s concurrent participation in the Eurocup-3 series will provide her with consistent race experience throughout the 2026 season. The Eurocup-3 championship is a highly competitive feeder series, known for developing young drivers for potential opportunities in higher formulas. Competing in Eurocup-3 will allow Bustamante to hone her racecraft and build a strong foundation for future success.
The combination of Formula E testing and Eurocup-3 racing represents a well-rounded development program for Bustamante, providing her with exposure to different racing disciplines and a diverse range of challenges. Her dedication and progress have clearly impressed the CUPRA KIRO team, who are committed to supporting her growth as a racing driver.
As Bustamante prepares for the Madrid Rookie Test, she carries the weight of expectation as a rising star in motorsport and a prominent figure in the push for greater female representation in the sport. Her performance in Madrid will be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike, as she continues to pursue her ambition of reaching Formula 1.