Filipina racing driver Bianca Bustamante has joined CUPRA KIRO as their Development Driver in the FIA Formula E World Championship after her impressive P3 finish in the 2024 all-women test in Jarama, Spain.
She will debut in the team’s signature colors at the 2025 Jakarta E-Prix from June 20-21, shadowing full-time drivers Dan Ticktum and David Beckmann while integrating into the team.
The 20-year-old will make her first appearance for CUPRA KIRO at the Berlin E-Prix. She will participate in the official rookie test for Formula E at the Tempelhof Street Circuit in Berlin on July 14, 2025. This will be Bustamante’s first experience at the challenging street circuit located at the old Tempelhof Airport. To help her prepare, the team will offer simulator sessions and technical briefings to improve her performance in the test and future races.
Bustamante is taking on this challenge with CUPRA KIRO while also racing in the competitive GB3 Championship, where she is developing her skills to reach her Formula 1 dreams.
Bianca Bustamante
Development Driver, CUPRA KIRO
“I’m really excited to join CUPRA KIRO as the team’s Development Driver as I continue my Formula E journey. In the very short time that we’ve been working together, it’s been incredible to experience the team’s disruptive approach to racing in action and to see the team’s hunger and desire for success first-hand. Working with Dan, David, and the team is an invaluable opportunity for me at this stage of my career, and I’m looking forward to applying everything I learn into the GB3 Championship in 2025. I’m excited to absorb everything on-site in Jakarta and of course, to drive the team’s current Season 11 car in Berlin this July.”
Russell O’Hagan
Chief Operating Officer, CUPRA KIRO
“On behalf of the team, I’m delighted to welcome Bianca to CUPRA KIRO. Since stepping up to single seater racing only three years ago, Bianca has not only proven that she is a force to be reckoned with but has become one of the leading voices in promoting female participation in motorsport by widening the industry’s talent pipeline. Opening and fostering opportunities for next generation racing drivers is integral to the future of our sport, and while we’re looking forward to seeing Bianca’s contribution to CUPRA KIRO, we’re equally excited to support her own development as an athlete. I can’t wait to see her embed herself in the team over the coming weeks ahead of her Rookie Test outing in Berlin.”