CUPRA KIRO confirmed that Cian Shields would join the team for the upcoming FIA Formula E Rookie Test at Circuito del Jarama in Madrid. The test will take place the day after the inaugural Madrid E-Prix and gives emerging drivers the opportunity to experience current Formula E machinery while teams gather valuable running outside of race weekends. The session forms part of the championship’s effort to provide young talent with experience in the all-electric series. Shields is set to take part in the test alongside CUPRA KIRO development driver and F1 Academy race winner Bianca Bustamante.
O’Hagan highlights value of rookie opportunity for Shields
CUPRA KIRO Team Principal Russell O’Hagan expressed enthusiasm about bringing Shields into the team environment for the test, highlighting the value of giving young drivers the chance to experience Formula E machinery. He noted that the all-electric championship presents a very different challenge compared to traditional single-seater categories, and believes running the GEN3 Evo will offer Shields a useful new perspective as he continues to develop his career. O’Hagan also emphasised that the rookie test provides an important opportunity for the team to gather additional data while supporting emerging talent.
“I’m excited to welcome Cian to the team for his first experience of Formula E. As a fully electric category, Formula E is a uniquely demanding championship but I’m very confident that the opportunity to experience the GEN3 Evo will be hugely beneficial for his own development, giving him a new perspective to complement his recent single-seater experiences. The upcoming test is an important opportunity for us as a team, and while we’re eager to maximise it, we’re also very excited to extend this chance to Cian and support his progression. I can’t wait to see how he gets on.”
Shields sees 2026 Formula E Rookie Test with CUPRA KIRO as a key learning opportunity
Shields described the upcoming test as a significant and exciting step as he prepared for his first experience behind the wheel of a Formula E car. The Scottish driver welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the championship’s unique demands and to adapt to a very different style of racing compared to the single-seater categories he has competed in so far. He also highlighted the growing importance of rookie tests in modern motorsport, noting that they provide young drivers with a valuable platform to gain experience while also demonstrating their potential to teams. Across the Madrid weekend, Shields expected to focus on learning as much as possible from the programme while working closely with the team and drawing on the experience of fellow drivers Dan Ticktum, Pepe Martí, and Bianca Bustamante.
“I’m delighted to be joining CUPRA KIRO for the upcoming Rookie Test in Madrid. The test will be my first experience of driving a Formula E car, so it’s a very exciting opportunity to learn, adapt, and understand what makes this championship so unique. In motorsport, rookie tests are becoming increasingly important, and with more teams giving young drivers opportunities, it’s a great platform to not only develop but to also show what you can do. Formula E is completely new territory for me, and I’m looking forward to working with and learning from Dan [Ticktum], Pepe [Martí], and Bianca [Bustamante] across the weekend.”
