– Czechia’s Jílková takes the wheel for Porsche once again
– Spain’s García represents the successful Iron Dames project
– Dedicated test sessions for female drivers on 7 November
Porsche has nominated Gabriela Jílková and Marta García to test drive the Porsche 99X Electric. Their appearance is part of the official Formula E pre-season testing schedule in Valencia, Spain in early November. The all-electric world championship is dedicating part of the testing to female drivers – to promote women in global elite motorsport. Jílková of Czechia will join Spain’s García, who is part of the Iron Dames squad. The successful pink racing project also competes to empower women in motorsport.
The dedicated session for female drivers will be held between 14:00 and 17:00 on 7 November. It is the first of its kind in a championship organized by the governing body of motorsport, the FIA. The innovative Formula E series wants to remove obstacles for women in their sport and give them opportunities to prove themselves. The initiative in Valencia will see up to 22 women take control of the cars of 11 world championship teams.
Jílková (29) completed 43 laps and 152 kilometres with the Porsche 99X Electric in Valencia last year – as a simulator and development driver in the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. It was her first appearance in the Porsche open-wheel car. She also has experience in GT and prototype racing and 2024 sees her competing in the GT4 European Series, as well as other series. Joining Switzerland’s Simona de Silvestro, Jílková became the second female driver in Porsche’s Formula E squad.
‘Iron Dame’ García (24) got behind the wheel of a Formula E car for the first time in May – at the electric race series’ official Rookie Test in Berlin. She is the first champion of the Formula 1 junior series for women, the F1 Academy (2023) and has been competing in Iron Dames colours since April; a team with which Porsche has collaborated previously. García’s current main focus is the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine.
The third Formula E vehicle generation, the GEN3 Evo, of the Porsche 99X Electric will make its official debut in Valencia (world premiere on 24th October). In addition to Jílková and García, world champion Pascal Wehrlein and team-mate António Félix da Costa will also be taking the wheel. The test sessions will be held from 4 to 7 November.
Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E: « At Porsche we firmly believe that diverse teams are more successful. To that extent we are very happy to support Formula E’s initiative. We are delighted to have Gabriela on board again and would like to extend a warm welcome to Marta. Iron Dames are one of the biggest promoters of women in motorsport. Our pre-season preparations can only benefit from the additional impressions of these two drivers. At the same time, we want to ensure that Gabriela and Marta get as much as possible out of the opportunity for themselves. »
Gabriela Jílková: « I’m really happy that I get to drive the Porsche 99X Electric again. It is always an honour to represent the Porsche works team. I’m excited to see how the new car performs. It goes without saying that I am also pleased to be part of the first Formula E test sessions specifically for women. »
Marta García: « I’m super excited to be part of the Formula E testing for women. And I’m even happier that I get to be involved in this with the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. They are one of the best teams in the field and I am really looking forward to learning from and with them. I’m incredibly grateful to Porsche and the Iron Dames for this opportunity. I can’t wait to drive the 99X Electric – and on my fantastic home track as well. »
Gabriela Jílková – Personal details
Date of birth: 2 April 1995
Place of birth: Prague (Czechia)
Nationality: Czech
Marital status: Single
Height and weight: 169 cm and 53 kg
Hobbies: Sport
Marta García – Personal details
Date of birth: 9 August 2000
Place of birth: Dénia (Spain)
Nationality: Spanish
Marital status: Single
Height and weight: 164 cm and 57 kg
Hobbies: Travel, fitness
Yannick Bitzer,