Fraser MasefieldFollowing on from an encouraging but ultimately points-free inaugural Ad Diriyah ePrix, the NIO Formula E team remained at the circuit for a day of testing.
Importantly, joining regular drivers Oliver Turvey and Tom Dillmann at the circuit was Test driver and British GT4 champion Jamie Chadwick, rival teams also running female drivers.
And despite her track time being slightly delayed by a technical issue, Chadwick still managed 40 laps in the Gen2 car in helping the team with some vital development work ahead of the second race in Marrakech.
“It was a fantastic experience,” commented Chadwick afterward. “To be here at such an event, having spent the week here with the team, was great preparation and I have been itching to get out in the car. This is my first time on a street circuit and driving the Gen 2 car, and I loved every minute of it.
“I made improvements during the session and I would have liked a few more laps to be honest. I would like to say a huge thank you to Gérry [Hughes] and the team at NIO for giving me this opportunity, it goes without saying that I would love to be back behind the wheel.”
For his part, team principal Hughes was equally delighted with Chadwick’s work behind the wheel and was quick to praise her attitude and work ethic.
“We ran both cars today with Jamie in the No.8 and Oliver and Tom sharing the No.16. Jamie’s start to the test was delayed due to an issue with the car which we had to resolve before she was able to go out,” said Hughes. “She has made great progress throughout the day having completed in excess of 40 laps in what was her first time in the Gen 2 car and on a street circuit. She acclimatized herself well during a shortened programme accruing important mileage behind the wheel.”
Top image: Jamie Chadwick during the Ad Diriyah ePrix at Riyadh Street Circuit on December 16, 2018. © Joe Portlock / LAT Images.
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