Cian Shields to Make Formula E Debut with CUPRA KIRO at Madrid Rookie Test
Scottish racing driver Cian Shields is set to experience Formula E machinery for the first time, joining CUPRA KIRO for the upcoming Madrid Rookie Test alongside Bianca Bustamante. The test will take place during the CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix race weekend.
Shields’ Racing Background
Shields began his journey in single-seater racing in 2022, quickly making an impact in the competitive GB3 Championship. He secured one victory and three podium finishes during his rookie season. In 2023, he was crowned runner-up in the Euroformula Open Championship, which paved the way for his participation in the FIA Formula 3 Championship.
Last year, the 21-year-vintage competed in a full season of FIA Formula 2 with AIX Racing. He also had the opportunity to drive for Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as their test driver. Shields will continue to race in FIA Formula 2 this season.
Team Principal’s Perspective
Russell O’Hagan, CUPRA KIRO Team Principal, expressed his excitement about welcoming Shields to the team. He stated, “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 fresh perspective to complement his recent single-seater experiences.”
O’Hagan continued, “The upcoming test is an significant 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 notice how he gets on.”
Shields’ Anticipation
Cian Shields shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity, saying, “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 reveal what you can do.”
He added, “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.”
Madrid E-Prix Schedule
The CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix, Round 6 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, will mark Madrid’s debut as a host city for an E-Prix. The event will take place at the Circuito del Jarama on Saturday, March 21, with Spanish driver Pepe Martí aiming to perform well in front of his home crowd.
- Free Practice 1: Friday, March 20, 16:30 local / 15:30 UTC
- Free Practice 2: Saturday, March 21, 08:30 local / 07:30 UTC
- Qualifying: Saturday, March 21, 10:40 local / 09:40 UTC
- Race: Saturday, March 21, 15:05 local / 14:05 UTC
The full schedule and broadcaster listings can be found on the Formula E website. Fans can also follow the race live on the web and in the Formula E app, with access to live timing, interactive track maps, session reports, interviews, standings, and results.