PORTLAND, Ore. — Canadian driver Robert Wickens made history at the Hankook Portland E-Prix, jumping into Formula E’s Gen3 car for a number of test laps at the Portland Int’l Raceway.
For Wickens, the 35-year-old racing driver from Ontario, Canada, these laps were more than just a test, but an inspiring comeback against adversity in his first return to single-seaters since his accident in 2018 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway. His run in the Gen3 car was not just a one-off demo, but an evaluation session for Robert to assess opportunities for a full-time return to single-seater racing in the future.
“It was such an amazing opportunity to drive the Gen3 car yesterday,” Wickens said. “Formula E has been a series that I’ve been keeping a close eye on for quite a while, but I never knew how I could get myself into the series. A huge thanks to Formula E and SPARK for their ingenuity and for developing a hand control system for me to drive the car in Portland.
“It was only a few laps, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it left me wanting a lot more. Hopefully this will lead to more opportunities in the future and possibly a rookie test. I think right now, that would be the goal for me, to try and get onto the grid in Formula E for the future.”
Wickens had his first-ever experience behind the wheel of a Formula E machine in the cutting-edge Gen3 Formula E car ahead of the Hankook Portland E-Prix. He completed 11 full laps, demonstrating the potential for inclusivity and technological innovation within the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
The Gen3 was specifically modified by manufacturing partner SPARK for Wickens to drive via hand controls.
“It’s a privilege to offer a driver of Robert’s calibre a drive in our Gen3 Formula E car,” Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said. “Throughout his career, Robert has proven his speed and talent, and since his accident, his determination and dedication to return to the sport we love has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.
“I’ve been following Robert’s career for a number of years, and it’s clear he was always destined for motorsport success. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive championship led by technology and innovation, and thanks to SPARK, our ambitions to provide greater accessibility for talented racing drivers have been made possible,” Dodds continued.