Porsche Formula E Team completed a strong and focused programme with the 99X Electric during testing in Valencia ahead of Season 12. The team ran through its schedule smoothly from Monday to Friday. Engineers gathered key data with Pascal Wehrlein and new teammate Nico Müller. Porsche also showcased its technology link to road cars with a special Cayenne-inspired livery. Before returning to its familiar Purple Sky and Shade Green design. On the final day, Gabriela Jílková and Janina Schall successfully concluded the programme in the dedicated female driver sessions.
Jílková building on experience and driving development
For Jílková, the Valencia test marked another key step in her Porsche journey. She built on the experience she first gained with the 99X Electric in 2023 and added further mileage to her more than 470 kilometres in the car. Drawing on her GT and prototype background and her ongoing work in the simulator, she treated the day as a development session. Together with the team, she improved the car over the course of the runs, with the data confirming clear progress even when it did not show in the lap times. Jílková left the Formula E testing in Valencia satisfied with the direction of the work and thankful for another chance to contribute for Porsche on track.
“It was a successful test day, and I’m very happy that I could join the pre-season test again. Throughout the day, we made significant improvements – not always visible in the lap times, but the data clearly showed we were heading in the right direction. It was a very positive day, and I’m just grateful that I was back in the car again.”
Promising debut for Schall in the Porsche 99X Electric
Schall’s Valencia outing built on a rapid rise through German motorsport. After starting her career in karting, she moved through Porsche Cayman machinery on the Nürburgring in 2023 and stepped up to NLS endurance racing the following year, tackling multiple BMW models and even the 24-hour classic. Alongside her racing, she continues her automotive engineering studies in Ulm. Schall’s first experience with the Porsche 99X Electric during Formula E testing in Valencia gave her a new technical challenge. She used the morning to familiarise herself with the car and the team’s processes, then shifted her focus to performance in the second session. Leaving her pleased with both the learning experience and the gains she achieved.
“I really enjoyed driving the Porsche 99X Electric. It’s quite different from what I’m used to, and it’s very cool to drive this car. Overall, I’m quite happy with the day. In the morning, I focused on getting to know the car and understanding how the team works. During the second session, we concentrated more on performance, and it went really well. I managed to improve my lap times, so I’m very happy with that. ”
Strong foundation for season 12 in Valencia
For the regular Porsche Formula E Team drivers, the testing in Valencia also delivered a solid foundation for Season 12. Wehrlein completed an extensive programme in the #94 car, logging numerous laps and leaving the test satisfied with the work done and the volume of data gathered for the engineers. New teammate Müller used his time in the #51 car to deepen his integration into the squad. He quickly built a strong working relationship with the crew, enjoyed the track time in the 99X Electric, and came away eager to carry the momentum into the São Paulo season opener on 6 December.
“The test is done for us. It’s been a long week in Valencia with many laps completed, so there’s plenty of data to analyse. We’re happy with how it went and are looking forward to start season 12 in São Paulo on 6 December.” (Pascal Wehrlein)
“I had a lot of fun out there, really connecting with the team. We’re already working well together and have built a great foundation for the season ahead. I can’t wait to get things started in São Paulo.” (Nico Müller)
Emotional return and clear direction for Porsche and Modlinger in Valencia
Valencia carried both emotional and sporting weight for Director Factory Motorsport Formula E Florian Modlinger. Returning after last year’s flooding allowed the paddock to come together and honour those affected, before the focus shifted back to preparation.
He viewed the test as part of a dual mission, finishing the current Gen3 era as strongly as possible while already laying the groundwork for the next generation of car. Away from the track, simulator work continued to play a central role. Modlinger praised the contributions of both female drivers, valuing Jílková as a proven reference and recognising Schall for largely meeting expectations. With Wehrlein’s and Müller’s 99X Electric cars signed off for shipment, he also took confidence from how quickly Müller had settled into the team.
“It’s good news that we’re able to return to Valencia after last year’s flooding. With a group photo on Wednesday, the entire paddock paid tribute once again to the victims and those affected. From a sporting perspective, I’m satisfied with our preparation. It’s important to understand that we’re facing several tasks in parallel: completing the final season with the current generation of car as successfully as possible, while at the same time preparing the introduction of the next generation.”
“After the test is before the test – alongside the ongoing simulator work. I’m also pleased with our two female drivers: Gabi [Jílková] is a well-known and reliable asset for us, and Janina [Schall] has largely met our expectations. The two 99X Electric cars of Nico [Müller] and Pascal [Wehrlein] are now well-prepared for their journey to Brazil. And last but not least, I am pleased that Nico [Müller] has already integrated very well into the team.”
