Formula E News: Bühler to drive for Mahindra Racing in Valencia

Mahindra Racing today announced that Léna Bühler will participate in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s Women’s Test in Valencia next month [7 November].

The Swiss racer widely impressed during F1 Academy’s inaugural season last year, claiming race victories in Barcelona and Monza, plus a further 11 podiums, en route to finishing as vice-champion.

Now, with the support of one of Formula E’s iconic manufacturers, the 27-year-old will have the opportunity to test the brand-new GEN3 Evo Formula E car, the fastest-ever FIA single-seater, during the final afternoon of pre-season testing at Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

As well as the chance to drive the Mahindra M11Electro, Bühler will also benefit from the support of the team’s race drivers, Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara, as well as the team’s engineering and performance departments to assist in her development.

Alongside the test, Formula E will also host an expanded programme with FIA Girls on Track, using the event as a platform on which to showcase the broad spectrum of opportunities available for women in motorsport.

Bühler’s test with the team will be on Thursday, 7 November between 14:00 – 17:00, with the session marking the end of a week of pre-season testing in Spain, before Season 11 begins in Sao Paolo a month later, on 7 December.

Speaking on the news, Léna Bühler commented: “I’m very grateful to have this opportunity to take part in the Women’s Test with Mahindra Racing.

“It’s one of the championship’s iconic names, and with two strong drivers, and a wealth of engineering knowledge and experience, I know I’ll have not only a fantastic opportunity to learn, but also be given the best preparation possible for my first time in the Formula E car.

“This test is such a great initiative, and the GEN3 Evo is going to be a very interesting car to drive. The goal is to learn as much as possible, both in and out of the car, and make sure I’m spending time with the team, understanding the processes and so on to grow as a driver. Above all, I just want to enjoy the experience!”

Mahindra Racing CEO and Team Principal, Frederic Bertrand added: “When we started to look at drivers to participate in the Women’s Test, Léna very quickly emerged as the standout candidate for us.

“She has shown great potential, not least in F1 Academy last year, where she was a multiple race winner and a championship contender.

“We’re very excited to provide her first opportunity to test in a Formula E car, and we’re sure she’ll not only find the experience useful for her own development, but also provide us with crucial data as we continue to learn and explore this new GEN3 Evo car.

“Mahindra Racing is very proud to support this initiative from Formula E, and it’s our hope that this test not only serves to inspire the next generation of female racers on track, but also helps shine a spotlight on a wealth of other opportunities – engineering, mechanics, operations, marketing – that are available.”