Formula E Gears Up for Season 12 with Valencia Pre-Season Testing Return

Valencia, Spain – October 26, 2025 – The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is revving back into action as it returns to the Valencia street circuit for five days of intensive pre-season testing from October 27 to 31. Marking the series' first visit to the Spanish track since 2023, the event comes after the region endured devastating floods in 2024, with Formula E contributing over €50,000 to local relief efforts.

This year's testing schedule spans eight sessions across the ten competing teams, blending standard preparation with a spotlight on inclusivity. For the first time, the Women's Test on Friday, October 31, will dedicate an entire day to female drivers from all teams, doubling the track time from last season's debut. Each squad must field at least one woman driver in the GEN3 Evo cars, with the option for two, drawing top talent from global motorsport.

"Spain is my home country, and so I was especially heartbroken by the devastation that hit Valencia last year," said Alberto Longo, Formula E Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer. "I'm incredibly proud that Formula E supported vital work in restoring mobility to those in need and we continue to support the regions’ recovery efforts. This marks the first of two Spanish stops on our calendar this season, as we take Formula E racing to the Spanish capital for the very first time. Bringing Formula E to Madrid is a natural evolution—blending the nation’s rich motorsport heritage with the energy, innovation, and passion that define both Madrid and Formula E."

Season 12: Bigger, Bolder, and More Electric

As teams fine-tune their setups, excitement builds around Season 12's innovations, approved following the FIA World Motorsport Council meeting on October 16. The calendar balloons to a record 17 races across 11 venues, including long-awaited returns and debuts that promise diverse challenges.

Formula E dives deeper into China with races in Sanya—absent since Season 5—and a double-header in Shanghai, underscoring the market's pivotal role. New stops include Miami's Hard Rock Stadium circuit and Madrid's Circuito de Madrid-Jarama, blending urban flair with high-stakes racing.

On-track tweaks aim to amp up the action: Qualifying groups shrink to 10 minutes each, with streamlined duel formats for a snappier, one-hour showdown. Attack Mode gets a shake-up too—PIT BOOST races limit it to one activation, while others keep two, ditching the mandatory total time requirement for freer strategy.

Off the circuit, inclusivity takes center stage. Maternity and paternity pay are now exempt from the cost cap, aligning with the FIA's Women’s Strategy to foster family-friendly policies without financial penalties. Rookies get their shot with a dedicated Free Practice at the 2026 Miami E-Prix and a Collective Test post-Madrid.

Grid Shake-Up: New Faces, Bold Moves

The driver market has been a whirlwind, injecting fresh dynamics into the field. Citroën Racing storms in as the newest entrant, poaching Nick Cassidy from Jaguar TCS Racing and Jean-Éric Vergne from DS PENSKE. Taylor Barnard, fresh off a stellar rookie year, slots into Vergne's seat at DS alongside Maximilian Günther.

Elsewhere, Formula 2 champ Felipe Drugovich teams up with Jake Dennis at Andretti, Joel Eriksson joins Sébastien Buemi at Envision Racing, and Norman Nato reunites with defending champion Oliver Rowland at Nissan. Antonio Félix da Costa, the 2019/20 title winner, links with Mitch Evans at Jaguar, while Josep Maria Martí brings Formula 2 fire to CUPRA Kiro beside Dan Ticktum.

The Women's Test lineup boasts 14 drivers ready to turn laps:

Last year's test paved real paths—five participants landed roles, three securing permanent spots—proving the initiative's impact on diversity.

A Global Tour de Force: The 2026 Calendar

Testing sets the stage for a globe-trotting Season 12 opener on December 6 in São Paulo, Brazil's second straight hosting gig. The itinerary then zips to Mexico City (January 10), Miami (January 31), Jeddah double-header (February 13-14), and Madrid (March 21) for its electric debut.

Europe heats up with Berlin (May 2-3), Monaco's full-circuit double (May 16-17), before Asia calls: Sanya (June 20), Shanghai (July 4-5), and Tokyo (July 15-26). London caps it all with a finale double on August 15-16, extending the season's reach and intensity.

Fans can track every lap via Formula E's app, website, and social channels, with live updates, interviews, and insider scoops from Valencia. As the grid charges toward December, Season 12 looks set to electrify the motorsport world like never before.