CUPRA KIRO completes Madrid Rookie Test with Bianca Bustamante and Cian Shields
CUPRA KIRO completes productive Rookie Test at the Circuito del Jarama with Development Driver, Bianca Bustamante, and Cian Shields
CUPRA KIRO Development Driver, Bianca Bustmanate, and Formula E debutant, Cian Shields, completed a productive in-season Rookie Test at the Circuito del Jarama, one day on from the team’s double points finish at the 2026 CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix.
The test, which was held at Jarama for the first time, is reserved for drivers who have not competed in the FIA Formula E World Championship before and provides a unique opportunity for next-generation racing drivers to experience current-generation racing machinery.
Bianca and Cian completed 123 laps over the course of six hours of combined running at Jarama, with the duo gathering critical data insights for CUPRA KIRO as the team returns to its headquarters to prepare for the Berlin E-Prix in May.
Russell O’Hagan, Team Principal, CUPRA KIRO
“Today was a highly productive day for the team, and we were able to complete everything we set out to achieve on track. Having been part of the team for almost 12 months in her role as Development Driver, Bianca continues to impress us, and it’s been very rewarding to see her progression. Today was also Cian’s first experience of Formula E and despite the unique challenges that come with the Gen3 EVO, he adapted very quickly. Even with a disrupted morning session due to three red flags, we were still able to complete our planned programme, and the work we completed today will play an important role in our ongoing development. Because there’s a short gap before the Berlin E-Prix in May, we have an invaluable opportunity to analyse the data we have collected and I’m looking forward to building momentum for the next phase of the season.”
Bianca Bustamante, Development Driver, CUPRA KIRO
“We’ve had a really productive test here in Madrid, and it felt great to be back in the car after last driving in Valencia. Working with CUPRA KIRO has been an incredibly rewarding journey so far, and from test to test, I feel like I’ve made good progress. It was also very valuable to continue to learn from Dan and Pepe across the weekend, and I was able to apply their insights across the day. I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel in the future and to continue to build on what I’ve learned.”
Cian Shields
“Today was my first experience testing in Formula E and I had an awesome day with CUPRA KIRO. Formula E is very different to anything I’ve ever driven before in the past, and the car requires a very unique driving style. Initially, I found it quite difficult to get my head around all of the controls and modes on the car, but when I started to work it all out, it became very fun. I got to know everyone in the team pretty quickly, and from start to finish, I felt right at home. I want to thank everyone in the team because they did an awesome job all week. They had a long weekend with practice on Friday and the Madrid E-Prix on Saturday, so to get up one day later for a test is hard graft. I really appreciate it.”
