Roger Griffiths hails Felipe Drugovich’s impressive Formula E debut

Andretti team principal highlights the Brazilian driver’s commitment during his official debut with the team in pre-season testing at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit

Valencia, Spain

The atmosphere at Andretti is one of enthusiasm. The American team began its Formula E pre-season programme in Valencia, Spain, marking the official debut of Felipe Drugovich alongside British driver Jake Dennis, the 2023 world champion. The Brazilian, who claimed the Formula 2 title in 2022, completed his first laps in Andretti’s electric car at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, which is hosting the tests from 27 to 31 October.

Andretti team principal Roger Griffiths praised both the performance and attitude shown by the new driver during the opening days of running.

“We’re very happy at this moment to have Felipe with us. He has already completed two three-hour sessions, put some laps on the board with our car, and we’ve gathered some important data,” the Briton said.

Griffiths also emphasised the importance of giving the Brazilian driver the opportunity to return to competitive racing.

“We’re very pleased to have him because we believe he hasn’t received enough attention. Having him with us gives us the chance to offer that experience and to see him back in the cockpit. When he was working in the simulator, he was doing his job, but preparing the car for someone else. Now he’s doing it for himself and for his team-mate, with much more enthusiasm,” he added.

The Andretti boss also commented on Drugovich’s adaptation process to Formula E.

“He still has a lot to learn over the coming week. There are drivers here who have completed more than 100 laps around this circuit, and for him it’s his first time. I’ll admit I didn’t want his race debut to come under the pressure of São Paulo, but he will certainly learn a great deal by then and make the most of this experience,” Griffiths concluded.

Formula E pre-season testing features eight official sessions, with the final two reserved exclusively for female drivers. Each session lasts approximately three hours.