With a month to go until Round Three of the FIA Formula E Championship in Marrakesh, DTM driver Nico Muller and Formula 2’s Nyck de Vries will take part in the rookie test with Audi Sport Abt Shaeffler following the main race.
“This mid-season test is a unique opportunity. Nico and Nyck are going to drive our e-tron FE04 for a number of test kilometres which will give them a good initial impression of the car and the things that are special in Formula E,” says Allan McNish, Team Principal of Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler.
With experience in the German DTM series as part of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline, it will be Muller’s first time behind the wheel of an all-electric Formula E car.
With 64 starts, four podiums and one victory already to his name in the DTM series, all eyes will be on the driver for his debut in Formula E. “I’ve been watching Formula E as a fan for quite some time but, unfortunately, only on television,” he said.
“When I visit ABT Sportsline the Formula E race car is often parked alongside my DTM car – that’s when I fancy driving it, so I’m all the more excited about this opportunity.”
Alongside Muller will be experienced single seater racer Nyck de Vries. Having made a name for himself in the karting world, becoming part of the McLaren young driver programme in 2010, de Vires made the jump to Formula Renault 2.0, where he was awarded the title of ‘Rookie of the Year’ in 2015.
Earlier this year, de Vires joined the FIA Formula 2 Championship, teaming up with the Italian Rapax squad.
“Nico already belongs to the Audi family and we’ve been closely watching Nyck’s career in recent years. Both have their roots in single-seater racing and will no doubt manage well,” said team boss Alan McNish.
The rookie test will be held on Sunday, January 14 at Circuit International Automobile Moulay el Hassan in Marrakesh. Reigning champion Lucas di Grassi will be on hand as an instructor to provide the two newcomers with valuable advice.