The 2026 Formula E pre-season testing took place at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, where competitors showcased their skills over six intense three-hour sessions. Edoardo Mortara emerged as the standout performer, clocking in the fastest lap time of 1m 21.493 on Tuesday morning.
"I’m really pleased with how everything has gone during the testing period," said Mortara, who drove for Mahindra Racing. His time was not only impressive in its own right but also highlighted the overall competitiveness of the field, which was separated by just 0.825 seconds across the board.
The top four finishers were remarkably close, with reigning world champion Oliver Rowland trailing by just 0.005 seconds, followed by Taylor Barnard and Norman Nato. "It was great to see how close the competition is this year; it’s going to be an exciting season," said Rowland from Nissan.
-competes-with-Ferraris-Monegasque-driver-Charles-Leclerc.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
Meanwhile, Barnard added, "Every session was crucial for us to find the right setup, and I believe we have made significant progress heading into the opening rounds."
The final standings saw Mortara at the top, followed closely by Rowland, Barnard, and Nato. Finishing fifth was Nyck de Vries of Mahindra, who expressed satisfaction with his team's performance. "We have a solid base to build on for the next race. The car feels good, and we’re ready to compete," de Vries remarked.
Among the newcomers, Pepe Marti of Cupra Kiro surprised many with an 11th-place finish. His performance has garnered attention, as he cited the importance of learning quickly in such a competitive environment. "I'm here to prove myself, and finishing in the top half shows that I'm on the right track," Marti said.
On the other hand, Felipe Drugovich placed 15th but was keen to improve, saying, "Every lap is a learning opportunity, and I’m determined to make the most of it. We’ll work hard before the season starts."
The pre-season testing results suggest that 2026 will be a fiercely contested year for Formula E, with teams showing high levels of performance from the outset. As Mortara reflected on the unique challenges ahead, he noted, "We all know that anything can happen in racing, but this testing shows that we have the tools to compete for wins."
In the coming weeks, all attention will turn to the São Paulo circuit where teams will look to leverage the insights gained from testing. Fans and analysts alike anticipate a thrilling season filled with unpredictable moments and closer battles than ever before.
As teams head into the season, the excitement is palpable, and Mortara's confident assertion that they are 'ready to challenge for [the championship]' rings true. With every driver eager to clinch their first points, the stage is set for a memorable Formula E season ahead.