Formula E Gen4 pre-season test schedule confirmed, 2 race simulations planned

Formula E has finalised the schedule for its 2026/27 pre-season test in Madrid, with 18 hours of track running spread across three days. According to a media report, two race simulations are also planned, giving the full Gen4 grid its first opportunity to trial both the traditional E-Prix format and the new E-Prix Unleashed. Here is the full timetable and what to expect.

Formula E will prepare for its season 13 at Circuito del Jarama near Madrid from 16 to 20 November. For the first time, all teams are set to come together for an official collective test with their new Gen4 cars. With up to 600 kW of power and permanent all-wheel drive, the new machines represent the biggest technological leap in the history of the all-electric championship.

According to a schedule provided to e-Formula.news by Formula E, two three-hour testing sessions are planned on each of the three days of track activity. Cars will run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm and again from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm, giving teams a total of 18 hours of track time.

Formula E Madrid pre-season testing timetable

All times are local to Madrid (CET, UTC+1).

In addition to the on-track sessions, press conferences featuring drivers and team principals are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Thursday will be dedicated to media activities, although no press conferences are planned.

2 race simulations: E-Prix & E-Prix Unleashed to be tested

One of the most notable features of this year's pre-season test will be the planned race simulations. According to FE Notebook, teams are expected to trial both racing formats of the upcoming Gen4 era under realistic conditions on Wednesday and Friday.

The first simulation, scheduled for Wednesday, 18 November, between 14:00 and 15:00, will follow the traditional E-Prix format. Energy management and efficient use of the available energy will remain central to this type of race, with drivers having to balance outright speed against energy consumption throughout the event.

On Friday, 20 November, an E-Prix Unleashed simulation is planned for the same 14:00–15:00 slot. The new format places greater emphasis on the performance potential of the Gen4 cars. They will run in a higher-downforce aerodynamic configuration, while the window for activating Attack Mode will be reduced to six minutes.

Both simulated races are expected to take place within the regular afternoon testing sessions. Formula E has yet to officially confirm the specific time slots for the two race simulations.

The simulations could prove particularly valuable for manufacturers and teams. Although race distances have already been completed during private Gen4 development testing, bringing the full grid together will provide the first opportunity to examine how the new cars behave in close combat and heavy traffic.

Gen4 debut: Questions remain ahead of first collective test

However, it remains uncertain whether all 12 teams will arrive in Madrid with two fully operational cars each. The late entry of new Porsche customer team Fusion Formula E has created additional challenges for those involved in preparing for the test. Shortages are particularly affecting batteries and components of the front powertrain. Other teams are also facing tight deadlines as they prepare their new Gen4 machinery.

As a result, the Madrid test will be more than just the first direct performance comparison between manufacturers. Reliability and the ability of teams to get their new cars ready for competitive running will also be under close scrutiny.

Circuito del Jarama already hosted the inaugural Madrid E-Prix in March. Pre-season testing will once again use the circuit layout featuring the additional chicane on the start-finish straight. Following the collective test, Formula E will enter the final phase of preparations for the 2026/27 season.