Lola Yamaha ABT have confirmed that Richard Verschoor and Hugh Barter will drive the Lola T001 during the Formula E Rookie Test in Madrid on 22 March. The outing will mark Verschoor’s first appearance in a Formula E car after several seasons progressing through the single seater ranks, most recently in Formula 2. Barter will meanwhile return to the team following previous test outings, continuing his work within the programme as both a simulator driver and development contributor.
Verschoor prepares for first Formula E experience with Lola Yamaha ABT in Madrid
Verschoor said he was looking forward to joining Lola Yamaha ABT for the Rookie Test in Madrid and working closely with the team during the one day session. The Dutch driver noted that the outing would mark his first experience behind the wheel of a Formula E car and described it as a valuable opportunity to learn quickly and familiarise himself with the unique demands of the series. He also emphasised his aim to make the most of the test while contributing to the team’s ongoing work with the Lola T001.
“I’m excited to be joining Lola Yamaha ABT for the Rookie Test in Madrid. Driving the T001 will be my first outing in a Formula E car. I’m eager to learn and push forward together with the team.”
More T001 seat time key for Barter
Barter highlighted that he welcomed the opportunity to return to the Lola T001 in Madrid after his earlier rookie session in Miami. The Australian-Japanese driver pointed to the additional track time as an important step in building his experience with the car, while also allowing him to deliver more detailed feedback to support the team’s ongoing work and preparation.
“Following the Rookie Free Practice in Miami in January, I’m really looking forward to having more time on track in the T001, both for my own experience and to help provide more in-depth feedback to the team.”
Preston confident in Verschoor while praising Barter’s development work
Mark Preston, Team Principal of Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E Team, welcomed Richard Verschoor to the team for the Rookie Test in Madrid, highlighting the Dutch driver’s pace, experience and technical understanding as qualities expected to benefit the team across the weekend. He also underlined the importance of Hugh Barter returning to drive the Lola T001, noting that the young driver’s growing track and simulator mileage had already produced increasingly valuable feedback while supporting the car’s ongoing development programme.
“We are very pleased to have Richard join us for the Rookie Test in Madrid. He is a fast, knowledgeable and promising driver who we are sure will be a great asset to the team over the weekend.”
“It’s also great that Hugh is once again joining us to take to the track in the Lola T001. The more time he spends with us both on track and in the sim, the more invaluable his feedback has become. So, we look forward to getting additional input from him in Madrid while giving him crucial development time on track.”
