Bianca Bustamante has been confirmed as a development driver for CUPRA KIRO in the FIA Formula E World Championship, marking another important step in her progression through international single-seater racing.
The appointment follows Bustamante’s strong performance in Formula E’s all-women test at Jarama in 2024, where she recorded a third-place result. As part of her new role, Bustamante will be integrated into the CUPRA KIRO programme across selected events while continuing her primary racing commitments in Europe.
Bustamante will make her first appearance with the team at the Jakarta E-Prix from June 20–21, where she will work closely with the engineering group and shadow full-time drivers Dan Ticktum and David Beckmann. The Jakarta event will focus on familiarisation with team operations, race procedures and technical workflows.
Her first on-track outing for CUPRA KIRO is scheduled for the official Formula E rookie test at the Tempelhof Airport Circuit on July 14, following the Berlin E-Prix. The test will mark Bustamante’s debut at the challenging street circuit, which is known for its low grip and abrasive surface. Preparation for the outing will include simulator sessions and detailed technical briefings aimed at maximising learning and performance.
While gaining experience in Formula E, Bustamante’s primary competitive focus remains on the GB3 Championship, where she continues her development with Elite Motorsport as part of her long-term pathway towards FIA Formula 3 and beyond.
Bustamante has described the opportunity with CUPRA KIRO as a valuable learning environment, highlighting the importance of working alongside experienced drivers and engineers while applying lessons learned back into her GB3 campaign.
CUPRA KIRO chief operating officer Russell O’Hagan said the team was pleased to welcome Bustamante, pointing to her rapid rise through the single-seater ranks and her role in encouraging broader participation in motorsport. He noted that supporting emerging talent is a key part of the team’s long-term philosophy.
From a Racing-X perspective, the move underlines Bustamante’s increasingly diverse development programme. Balancing a competitive GB3 season with exposure to Formula E machinery, operations and race environments provides a broad technical foundation that few drivers at this stage of their careers are able to access. The Berlin rookie test will offer a clear benchmark of how her skill set translates into electric single-seater competition.
