Filipina racing sensation Bianca Bustamante has secured a significant milestone in her career, signing as Development Driver with Formula E team CUPRA KIRO. The appointment marks another breakthrough for the 20-year-old driver, who continues to shatter barriers in international motorsport.
The opportunity arose following Bustamante’s performance at the 2024 Formula E all-womens test in Jarama, Spain, where she claimed an impressive third-place finish. This result caught the attention of CUPRA KIRO’s management, leading to her appointment in the prestigious FIA Formula E World Championship programme.
On-track debut with Kiro
Bustamante will make her first appearance with the team at the 2025 Jakarta E-Prix, scheduled for 20-21 June. During this event, she will shadow the team’s full-time drivers, Dan Ticktum and David Beckmann, whilst integrating with the broader team structure.
Her first on-track opportunity will come at the Berlin E-Prix rookie test on 14 July 2025, taking place at the Tempelhof Street Circuit. The venue, built on the grounds of the now-closed Tempelhof Airport, presents what many consider a “raw, unforgiving” street circuit that will test Bustamante’s adaptability to Formula E machinery.
To ensure optimal preparation, CUPRA KIRO will provide comprehensive simulator sessions and technical briefings designed to maximise her performance during the test and prepare her for future opportunities within the championship.
Bustamante’s in the building. She’ll join us for the Berlin rookie test—and we’re so here for it. 💥
— CUPRA KIRO (@KiroRaceCo) June 17, 2025
She’ll be in Jakarta this weekend meeting the team ahead of her jumping behind the wheel in the next round. 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/ZhzYgN39HD
Balancing Championships
The Formula E CUPRA KIRO development role comes as Bustamante continues her campaign in the GB3 Championship, where she pursues her single-seater development on the traditional ladder towards Formula 1.
Reflecting on her new role, Bustamante expressed enthusiasm about joining Kiro:
“I’m really excited to join CUPRA KIRO as the team’s Development Driver as I continue my Formula E journey. In the very short time that we’ve been working together, it’s been incredible to experience the team’s disruptive approach to racing in action and to see the team’s hunger and desire for success first-hand.”
“Working with Dan, David, and the team is an invaluable opportunity for me at this stage of my career, and I’m looking forward to applying everything I learn into the GB3 Championship in 2025. I’m excited to absorb everything on-site in Jakarta and of course, to drive the team’s current Season 11 car in Berlin this July.”
Team commitment
Russell O’Hagan, Chief Operating Officer at CUPRA KIRO, welcomed the appointment with equal enthusiasm:
“On behalf of the team, I’m delighted to welcome Bianca to CUPRA KIRO. Since stepping up to single seater racing only three years ago, Bianca has not only proven that she is a force to be reckoned with but has become one of the leading voices in promoting female participation in motorsport by widening the industry’s talent pipeline.”
“Opening and fostering opportunities for next generation racing drivers is integral to the future of our sport, and while we’re looking forward to seeing Bianca’s contribution to CUPRA KIRO, we’re equally excited to support her own development as an athlete. I can’t wait to see her embed herself in the team over the coming weeks ahead of her Rookie Test outing in Berlin.”
