03/07/2025 12:00
Arthur Leclerc will make a shock return to the Formula E paddock in
Berlin after being handed a seat by Maserati to drive in the
upcoming rookie test at the Tempelhof Airport Circuit. Charles
Leclerc's brother will join Maserati for the one-day test on July
14, and will be partnered by 2023 Formula 2 champion Theo
Pourchaire. Pourchaire represented the Monaco-based outfit in
Jeddah earlier this year in the rookie practice session, and is
known to be pushing for a seat on next season's grid. The
Frenchman has faced little luck in the single-seater world since
claiming the F2 title, with him having left the Sauber academy at
the end of 2024, but has taking a liking to the FE paddock. "I'm
really excited to be back with Maserati MSG Racing for the rookie
test in Berlin," said Pourchaire. "Driving the Gen3 Evo in Diriyah
was an incredible experience, and I learned a lot from the team.
Formula E is such a unique and challenging championship, and I'm
grateful for the opportunity to get more seat time and continue
learning in this environment." As for Leclerc, the Monegasque is no
stranger to FE or Maserati, having previously been its reserve
driver in 2019 when it raced under the Venturi name. Leclerc
joined the outfit in 2017 as its development driver, before
progressing to a reserve and test role across the 2019-2020
campaign. In that time, he featured in the 2019 Marrakech rookie
test, using Gen2 machinery. Since moving on from F2 at the end of
the 2023 season, Leclerc has been a Ferrari F1 development driver –
he drove in Abu Dhabi first practice last year. Alongside his role
with the Maranello-based outfit, he currently competes in the GT
World Challenge series; however, is eager to return to the FE
paddock in Berlin. "It feels good to be back in Formula E,
especially with my home team," said Leclerc. "It will be the first
time that I will drive the Gen3 Evo so I am looking forward to
seeing the evolution compared to the previous generation that I
tested a few years ago. "I want to give a big thank you to
Maserati MSG Racing for the opportunity and I can't wait to start
working with the team in Berlin!"
