Formula E: Citroën selects Tatiana Calderón for all-female test in Valencia

Just days after the grand unveiling of its new single-seater in Paris, the Citroën Racing Formula E Team is once again making headlines. The iconic French brand has announced that Colombian driver Tatiana Calderón will participate in the official all-female test organized by the FIA. This highly anticipated track day will take place on October 31st at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, Spain, serving as a prelude to the launch of Season 12 of the Formula E World Championship. This announcement marks a turning point for Citroën, as it will be the very first time in its history that a woman takes command of one of its single-seater race cars.

A successful FIA initiative to promote female talent

This all-female test is not a novelty but rather the confirmation of an initiative that is delivering tangible results. Launched last season, the event aims to spotlight talented female drivers at the highest level of motorsport and provide them with a visible and credible international platform. The success of the inaugural edition is undeniable: five of the participants went on to secure roles as development or rookie drivers with leading teams, and three of them even permanently joined championship teams. The goal for this new session in Valencia is clear: to maintain this positive momentum and continue opening doors for the next generation of drivers. In parallel, Formula E and the FIA will reinforce this commitment with a special edition of the FIA Girls on Track program. Nearly 100 young local women will be invited to go behind the scenes in the paddock, participate in workshops, and meet key figures in the sport to inspire future careers, whether behind the wheel or in engineering and technical roles.

Tatiana Calderón and Citroën Racing: a union of talent and experience

The choice of Tatiana Calderón to represent Citroën is a deliberate one. The Colombian driver is a respected figure in the international paddock, boasting solid experience gained in demanding series such as Formula 2, IndyCar, endurance racing, and even as a test driver in Formula 1. Her expertise will be a major asset for the French team. Cyril Blais, Team Principal of the Citroën Racing Formula E Team, expressed his enthusiasm: "Seeing a woman behind the wheel of a Citroën single-seater for the first time is an important and inspiring step. Tatiana's experience, technical understanding, and determination make her the ideal representative for this occasion. We are confident that she will rise to this challenge brilliantly."

Beyond its symbolic significance, the Valencia test is of paramount importance for the preparation of Season 12. It offers a crucial opportunity for engineers to gather valuable telemetry data, test various energy management strategies, and run race simulations under real-world conditions. For Tatiana Calderón, it is a golden opportunity to showcase her talent in a championship she is already familiar with, having participated in several official test sessions before. "I am very proud to represent Citroën Racing at the all-female Formula E test in Valencia," she stated. "Being the first woman to drive a Citroën single-seater is a real honor. Formula E is at the forefront of technology and innovation, and this test is a great opportunity to show what I can personally bring to the discipline."

A meaningful commitment to the future

Citroën's participation in this event extends beyond the sporting context. It aligns perfectly with the philosophy of a championship that aims to be a pioneer in social responsibility and sustainability. By entrusting its car to a driver as experienced as Tatiana Calderón, the French brand is not only preparing for its upcoming season; it is sending a powerful message about its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The technical feedback from the Colombian driver will undoubtedly be invaluable for fine-tuning the final settings before the championship kicks off in São Paulo this December. This initiative demonstrates that Formula E is much more than just a racing series: it is a laboratory for technical and social innovation, firmly focused on the future of motorsport.