Lola Yamaha ABT have announced that Alessandro Giusti and Hugh Barter will drive for the team during the Formula E Berlin Rookie Test. The test, which takes place on Monday, 14 July at Berlin’s Tempelhof Street Circuit, is ideal for teams to evaluate young talent.
The Tempelhof Street Circuit will see eighteen-year-old Giusti make his debut in Formula E machinery. On the other hand, Barter returns to the all-electric Formula E car, having completed the Berlin Rookie Test in 2023.
Both drivers will be looking to impress Lola Yamaha ABT’s management, and potentially secure a seat at Lola or elsewhere for future seasons.
Who are Alessandro Giusti and Hugh Barter ahead of the FE Rookie Test
Eighteen-year-old Giusti made his car racing debut in 2021. Since then, he has competed at French Formula 4, Formula Regional European Championship, and Formula 3 level. Giusti joined the Williams Driver Academy in January 2024. This season, Giusti has secured solid results in the MP Motorsport F3 car and was recently on the podium in the Spanish Feature Race and Austrian Sprint Race. The Rookie Test will be the French driver’s first time in such high-powered machinery.
Barter is only slightly older than Giusti at nineteen, and also made his car racing debut in the French F4 Championship in 2021. The Australian-Japanese driver progressed to Formula 3 in 2023, but was unable to complete the season. In April of the same year, Barter participated in the Formula E Berlin Rookie Test with Maserati MSG Racing. Barter is currently Lola’s simulator test driver, and also drives for Drago Racing Esports Team in iRacing.
Giusti excited to participate in the Berlin Rookie Test
The Frenchman expressed his excitement at being able to step into the GEN3 Evo Formula E car for the first time. Giusti will be hoping that an impressive performance kickstarts his top-level career, and a strong performance at the Rookie Test would certainly help.
“It’s my first time driving in Formula E, and I’m really excited to maximise this session with the Lola Yamaha ABT team. The upcoming test session presents an incredible opportunity to develop as a driver and take a step forward in my career, while providing valuable feedback to the team.”
Barter proud to keep working with Lola at the Berlin Rookie Test
Barter expressed great pride in being able to continue working with Lola and will undoubtably relish the opportunity to get back on track. Having been away from high-level junior motorsport for over a year, Barter will be looking to impress on his return to a Formula E circuit.
“I’m incredibly proud to be taking part in the Berlin Rookie Test with Lola Yamaha ABT, building on the relationship we’ve developed this year during my time working behind the scenes this year as the simulator test driver.”
On his role behind the scenes, Barter added: “Simulator drivers play a crucial role in the development and success of Formula E teams, and I’m honoured to be contributing to such a prestigious outfit as Lola Yamaha ABT. I’m really looking forward to translating everything that we’ve achieved in the sim to the track.”
Lola and ABT react to the driver announcement
Mark Preston, Motorsport Director at Lola, and Thomas Biermaier, CEO at ABT, both reacted to the news. With Lola sitting bottom of the Team Standings, both will be hoping that the Rookie Test can provide some valuable areas for improvement.
Preston is looking forward to seeing how the young drivers contribute to the team, stating: “We are thrilled to welcome Alessandro and Hugh to the team. Both drivers have achieved impressive results in their careers, and their collective experience is an ideal combination which will give helpful feedback as we enter the final rounds of Season 11 and look forward to next season.”
Additionally, Biermaier is hoping to see the test prove beneficial for both drivers: “These sessions have welcomed young talent that have gone on to become some of the biggest names in motorsport. We’re excited to see how the test will develop their knowledge and support their growth.”
