Scottish racing driver Cian Shields will receive his first taste of Formula E competition, joining CUPRA KIRO for the upcoming Rookie Test in Madrid. The test, scheduled to grab place at the Circuito del Jarama, will notice Shields team up with previously announced driver Bianca Bustamante as the team prepares for the 2026 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season.
The Madrid Rookie Test provides a crucial opportunity for emerging talents to gain valuable experience in the GEN3 Evo car. For Shields, it marks a significant step in his burgeoning single-seater career, offering a chance to adapt to the unique demands of electric racing. The test coincides with Round 6 of the championship, the inaugural CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix, taking place on Saturday, March 21st.
Shields’ path to Formula E has been marked by consistent progress. He began single-seater racing in 2022, quickly making an impact in the competitive GB3 Championship, securing one victory and three podium finishes in his rookie season. A strong performance in 2023 saw him crowned runner-up in the Euroformula Open Championship, which then opened doors to the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Last year, the 21-year-old furthered his development with a full season in FIA Formula 2 with AIX Racing, and even had the opportunity to drive in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team as a test driver. He will continue to compete in FIA Formula 2 this season.
CUPRA KIRO Welcomes New Talent
Russell O’Hagan, CUPRA KIRO Team Principal, expressed his enthusiasm about welcoming Shields to the team. “I’m excited to welcome Cian to the team for his first experience of Formula E,” O’Hagan said. “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 new perspective to complement his recent single-seater experiences.” O’Hagan emphasized the importance of the test for both Shields’ progression and the team’s preparations, stating, “The upcoming test is an important 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 see how he gets on.”
Shields himself echoed the sentiment, expressing his delight at joining CUPRA KIRO. “I’m delighted to be joining CUPRA KIRO for the upcoming Rookie Test in Madrid,” Shields stated. “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.” He added, “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 show what you can do. 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 Madrid E-Prix weekend will kick off with Free Practice 1 on Friday, March 20th, at 16:30 local time (15:30 UTC). Free Practice 2 is scheduled for Saturday, March 21st, at 08:30 local time (07:30 UTC), followed by Qualifying at 10:40 local time (09:40 UTC). The main race will commence at 15:05 local time (14:05 UTC) on Saturday. Fans can follow the action live on the Formula E website (fiaformulae.com/live) and through the official Formula E app. Detailed session reports, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content will also be available on Formula E’s social media channels, and website.
The Madrid E-Prix marks the first time the city will host a Formula E race, adding to the growing global footprint of the all-electric series. The event at the Circuito del Jarama promises to be a showcase of electric racing technology and a thrilling spectacle for motorsport fans. Spanish driver Pepe Martí will be looking to impress in front of his home crowd during the event.
As the Rookie Test approaches, all eyes will be on Shields and Bustamante as they gain valuable experience in the GEN3 Evo car. The test will not only provide them with a platform to showcase their talent but also contribute to CUPRA KIRO’s preparations for the remainder of the 2026 season. The team will be looking to maximize the opportunity to gather data and refine their strategies as they continue to compete in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming Madrid E-Prix and the opportunity for young drivers like Cian Shields? Share your predictions and excitement in the comments below!
