Formula E surprise as auditioning driver sets sizzling pace

David Beckmann set the timesheets alight and topped the fourth session of Formula E pre-season testing. 

The driver who is effectively auditioning for the vacant Kiro Race Co seat, set the quickest lap time of the test so far at the Jarama Circuit. 

Beckmann posted a strong 1:27.755 in the closing minutes of Thursday morning’s session, putting him just eight thousandths ahead of reigning world champion Pascal Wehrlein. 

Several rapid laps were set in the closing minutes ahead of this afternoon’s session, which starts with a 24-lap mock race. 

Wehrlein’s team-mate Antonio Felix da Costa was third and just 0.058s slower than Beckmann, in what was a Porsche one-two-three, with Kiro being powered by the German manufacturer; albeit an older powertrain. 

It was a clean session with no disruption, following on from three red flags having been flown on Wednesday. 

Edoardo Mortara spent some time in the garage after changes were made to his Mahindra, whilst Sebastian Buemi also missed the start of the session.