Marrakesh Rookie Test – 2019/2020 ABB FIA Formula E Championship
Stuttgart. A day after the Marrakesh E-Prix, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team took part in the official rookie test for the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. Porsche works driver Frédéric Makowiecki (FR) and test and development driver Thomas Preining (AT) took to the track for the first time in the Porsche 99X Electric on Sunday. In the two three-hour sessions, they completed a total of 172 laps on the 2.971-kilometre track in Marrakesh (MA) and provided the team with valuable insights. In the race on Saturday, Porsche works driver André Lotterer (DE) finished in eighth place; Neel Jani (CH) crossed the finish line in 18th place.
Reactions to the Marrakesh Rookie Test
Amiel Lindesay (Head of Operations Formula E): “We had a productive day of testing and are very pleased with Frédéric (Makowiecki) and Thomas’ (Preining) results. Both drivers gained valuable experience with the Porsche 99X Electric. As a team, we will use the data to prepare for the upcoming races and for car performance. Our thanks go to Frédéric and Thomas for their effort.”
Frédéric Makowiecki (Porsche works driver): “I learned a great deal at the rookie test. My first impression of the Porsche 99X Electric is very positive. Sitting in a new car for the first time is always a real challenge. You never quite know what’s in store – particularly with the new technology in a fully-electric race series like Formula E, however, I was able to get to grips with the Porsche 99X Electric. I made really good use of the laps on the challenging track here in Marrakesh for the team and for myself.”
Thomas Preining (Test and development driver): “The test drives with the Porsche 99X Electric were a lot of fun. Personally, I was able to learn a great deal about the specific characteristics of the car. The data will help the team further optimise the performance of the Porsche 99X Electric for future races, so it was a win for us all. I’m already looking forward to further tests with the car.”
