Porsche Unveils Driver Lineup for Formula E Rookie Test: DTM Star and Young Prodigy Set to Impress

Porsche has announced its driver lineup for the upcoming Formula E Rookie Test in Berlin on July 14, featuring DTM driver Ayhancan Güven and 16-year-old prodigy Elia Weiss. This test provides a crucial opportunity for these promising talents to experience the high-performance Porsche 99X Electric, marking a significant step in their motorsport careers.

Porsche Taps DTM Star and Young Talent for Formula E Rookie Test

Porsche has confirmed that Ayhancan Güven, a DTM driver, and Elia Weiss, a 16-year-old from Munich, will participate in the Formula E Rookie Test in Berlin on July 14. This test, held the day after the German E-Prix, allows 22 rookie drivers, none of whom have competed in a Formula E race, to showcase their skills in the electric single-seater cars.

• Güven's first outing in a Porsche factory car.

• Weiss becomes the youngest ever Formula E rookie.

Ayhancan Güven: From Sim Racing to DTM Victories

Ayhancan Güven, 27, a former Porsche Junior, will make his debut in a Porsche factory car. Currently racing for Manthey EMA in the DTM, Güven has secured two DTM victories this season in the Porsche 911 GT3 R. His career began in karting and expanded into sim racing, where he even teamed up with Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen. Güven is a celebrated figure in Turkish motorsport, with the Turkish Ministry of Sport congratulating him on his first DTM win.

Güven expressed his excitement for the unique opportunity:

• This is a pretty unique opportunity for me.

• "As a driver with a GT racing background, driving a single-seater without a roof over my head is an experience I’m really looking forward to."

• He acknowledges the challenge of unfamiliar systems in the Porsche 99X Electric but is confident in his sim racing background for preparation.

Elia Weiss: A Rising Star at 16

Elia Weiss, born on June 22, 2009, celebrated his 16th birthday just weeks before receiving the international B license required to drive the 99X Electric. As part of Motorsport Team Germany, an initiative supported by Porsche Motorsport, Weiss is considered one of Germany's most promising young drivers. He won the 2024 German karting championship DKM and is currently competing in Formula 4. His participation in the Rookie Test makes him the youngest ever Formula E rookie.

Weiss shared his pride and preparation for the test:

• "I’m incredibly proud – no doubt everyone dreams of being able to drive for Porsche!"

• He has practiced extensively in the simulator at Weissach, familiarizing himself with the car's systems.

• He is focusing on strength and fitness training to meet the physical demands of a Formula E car.

Strategic Importance of the Rookie Test

Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E, highlighted the significance of the Rookie Test. Due to strict budget and testing day limitations in Formula E, teams often hesitate to invest in unproven drivers. However, the complexity of energy management in Formula E necessitates evaluating external talent. The mandatory nature of the Rookie Test ensures teams can assess potential drivers for the future.

Porsche's involvement in Formula E extends beyond the factory TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. The American customer team Andretti Formula E uses the latest GEN3 Evo generation Porsche 99X Electric, and Cupra Kiro has joined as a second customer team, utilizing GEN3 technology. Formula E provides Porsche with valuable insights for its production sports cars.