Leclerc, star F3 Williams junior in the mix in latest Berlin rookie test roster update

Vyas Ponnuri
Jul 4
4 min read

Updated: Jul 7

Written by Vyas Ponnuri

Maserati and Lola ABT Yamaha announced their full driver line-ups for Formula E's Berlin rookie test, with an F3 driver, a Maserati regular, and a former Ferrari junior returning to the series, six years since his last test.

A Leclerc will be driving in Berlin's rookie Formula E test | Credit: Formula One

The recent series of announcements have left only Jaguar's seat vacant, with the British outfit yet to announce who will pilot their car around the Berlin Tempelhof Circuit on Monday, July 14th, after the Berlin E-Prix weekend.

DIVEBOMB takes you through the new names announced in the latest rookie test roster.

Maserati announce Theo Pourchaire and Arthur Leclerc for Berlin rookie test

Pourchaire returns to Maserati for another rookie test | Credit: Formula E

In a significant move, Maserati have provided a return to the Formula E scene for Arthur Leclerc. The Monegasque, brother of Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc, will drive for Maserati MSG Racing in the day-long rookie test at the Berlin Tempelhof circuit.

Arthur Leclerc last tested for Formula E back in 2019, driving for the Venturi outfit in the Marrakesh rookie test, during the all-electric series' fifth season. Leclerc would later serve as the test driver for the team in a curtailed 2019-20 season, before moving to Formula cars.

Leclerc has since raced in Formula 3 for PREMA in 2021 and 2022, finishing tenth and sixth respectively. A step-up to DAMS' Formula 2 operations did not yield much success, as he finished down in 15th in his only season, scoring one podium.

He has moved to endurance racing ever since, driving for the Panis Racing team in the European Le Mans Series. Leclerc currently races in the GT World Challenge Europe for AF Corse.

"It feels good to be back in Formula E, especially with my home team," Leclerc mentioned, given Maserati's ownership by the Monaco Sports Group (MSG).

"It will be the first time that I will drive the Gen3 Evo so I am looking forward to seeing the evolution compared to the previous generation that I tested a few years ago. I want to give a big thank you to Maserati MSG Racing for the opportunity and I can’t wait to start working with the team in Berlin!"

Pourchaire, meanwhile, has already tested for Maserati earlier this year, back in the Jeddah rookie test, and has remained in conversation for a seat at the team, even as Season 11 has rolled on.

“I’m really excited to be back with Maserati MSG Racing for the Rookie Test in Berlin," said Pourchaire. "Driving the GEN3 Evo in Diriyah was an incredible experience, and I learned a lot from the team. Formula E is such a unique and challenging championship, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to get more seat time and continue learning in this environment.”

Maserati team principal Cyril Blais too praised both Leclerc and Pourchaire's arrivals onto the team. “We’re delighted to welcome both Théo and Arthur back to the team for the Berlin Rookie Test. Théo made a strong impression during the FP0 session in Diriyah, and Arthur’s past involvement with the team during our time as Venturi Racing gives him a great foundation to build on," he expressed.

Lola Yamaha ABT announce Giusti and Barter for Berlin rookie test

Barter is currently Lola Yamaha ABT's simulator driver | Credit: Formula E

One of the two newbies on the Formula E grid in 2025, Lola Yamaha ABT have announced an interesting pairing for the rookie test, with simulator driver Hugh Barter and highly rated Williams junior Alessandro Giusti taking to Berlin to drive the Gen3 Evo Formula E car.

Barter has previously raced in Formula 3, back in 2023, driving for Campos Racing. He scored 14 points across the season, with three points finishes. The Australian-Japanese driver had also finished second in French F4 and Spanish F4 prior to his F3 appearances.

Apart from taking part in the Indian F4 championship in 2024, driving for the Godspeed Kochi team, Barter worked for Lola ABT Yamaha as a simulator driver, now receiving an opportunity to take to the track in a full spec Formula E Gen3 Evo car.

“I’m incredibly proud to be taking part in the Berlin Rookie Test with Lola Yamaha ABT, building on the relationship we’ve developed this year during my time working behind the scenes this year as the Simulator Test Driver," Barter said, on his announcement.

"Simulator drivers play a crucial role in the development and success of Formula E teams, and I’m honoured to be contributing to such a prestigious outfit as Lola Yamaha ABT. I’m really looking forward to translating everything that we’ve achieved in the sim to the track.”

Giusti currently races for MP Motorsport in F3 | Credit: Formula 3

His teammate for the test, Giusti, already boasts an excellent junior career to his name. Having won the French F4 title in 2022, Giusti stepped up to Formula Regionals, finishing sixth and fourth in two FRECA seasons.

He currently drives for MP Motorsport in Formula 3, alongside Red Bull junior Tim Tramnitz and Bruno del Pino. Giusti currently sits seventh in the standings, having scored two podiums in Spain and Austria in 2025.

This will be his first time in a Formula E car, and Giusti will certainly be looking to make the most of it, as he dives into the world of electric racing.

“It’s my first time driving in Formula E, and I’m really excited to maximise this session with the Lola Yamaha ABT team," Giusti mentioned.

"The upcoming test session presents an incredible opportunity to develop as a driver and take a step forward in my career, while providing valuable feedback to the team.”

Mark Preston, Motorsport Director at Lola Cars, too welcomed both drivers to the team. “We are thrilled to welcome Alessandro and Hugh to the team. Both drivers have achieved impressive results in their careers, and their collective experience is an ideal combination which will give helpful feedback as we enter the final rounds of Season 11 and look forward to next season,” he said.