Bianca Bustamante has been announced by McLaren as the second driver to complete its line-up for the all-female FIA Formula E test next month.
The Filipina youngster is currently a member of the Woking outfit’s Driver Development Programme, and currently sits in seventh place in the F1 Academy standings with ART.
Last year, the 19-year-old finished seventh overall in the competition’s inaugural season, driving for Prema, winning races in Valencia and Monza. She will continue in the competition next year, driving for Rodin.
She is the final driver to take the wheel of a papaya car at the groundbreaking world-first female test on November 7th, joining Ella Lloyd, who was announced last week.
In a statement, Bustamante said: “I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a GEN3 Evo car with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team next month in Valencia.
“I’ve already been honing my skills in the simulator, and working with the team so I can extract the most from this opportunity as I can. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Lloyd echoed her excitement, saying: “This opportunity will allow me to gain valuable experience in Formula E GEN3 Evo machinery and continue to develop my skills as a racing driver. I can’t wait to get going.”
Team Principal Ian James said: “I am very pleased with the Women’s Test taking place during Valencia Pre-Season Testing, and am excited to be welcoming Bianca and Ella trackside as part of the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.
“Both drivers have had a smooth integration into the team and have already been developing their skills in the simulator as part of their preparation.
“I’m glad we can provide Bianca and Ella with a platform to demonstrate their ability and build new career opportunities, as part of the championship’s commitment to develop their experience in motorsport. I’m looking forward to seeing how they get on in Valencia next month.”
