Rookie test in Misano: McLaren driver Taylor Barnard wins "Free Practice 0" of Formula E

Taylor Bernard set the fastest lap time in the "0th free practice" of Formula E in Misano. In the first session of the race weekend, in which only rookies were allowed to take part, the McLaren tester beat Robert Shwartzman (DS) and Zane Maloney (Andretti). Tim Tramnitz for ABT Cupra and Matt Campbell in the Porsche completed the top five.

The following eleven Formula E rookies were given the chance to prove themselves in rookie practice: Tim Tramnitz (ABT Cupra), Matt Campbell (Porsche), Mikel Azcona (ERT), Jordan King (Mahindra), Sheldon van der Line (Jaguar), Paul Aron (Envision), Robert Shwartzman (DS Penske), Ciao Collet (Nissan), Taylor Bernard (McLaren), Yann Ehrlacher (Maserati) and Zane Maloney (Andretti).

Nevertheless, the session started as usual with the obligatory full-course yellow exercise, during which all the drivers had to slow down. Then they were finally able to go full power to push the limits of the Gen3 car. After the first five minutes, Tim Tramnitz led the timesheets for ABT Cupra. However, the lap times quickly improved considerably. Taylor Barnard, for example, set the fastest lap for McLaren with best times in all three sectors.

About halfway through the 30-minute session, Paul Aron led the field - one of the few drivers who had never driven in a public Formula E session before. The Estonian will also line up at the Berlin E-Prix and will then make his race debut as a reserve driver for Envision Racing.

Three-way battle in the final minutes

While the Formula E regulars relaxed on the pit wall and watched the youngsters battle it out, Nissan and Mahindra failed to get going in the first half of the session. Then Jordan King and Caio Collet finally took to the track. The latter braked heavily straight away and drove through the gravel. Meanwhile, the new best time came from Australian Matt Campbell in the Porsche.

Keeping a watchful eye on things ?

(And having some fun) ? #MisanoEPrix pic.twitter.com/6IFcO2T9Dl

— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) April 12, 2024

Robert Shwartzman took the lead and was the first to break the 1:20 mark. Meanwhile, Sheldon van der Linde in the Jaguar complained that his car was losing power. He consequently came into the pits. After a few minutes, the South African had to pull out and retire from the session. Five minutes before the end, Barnard climbed back into first place in the McLaren.

Shortly before the end, several drivers tried to improve their position. Barnard set another exclamation mark with three "pink" sectors. Zane Maloney moved up to second place in the meantime, but Shwartzman countered with his final attempt and overtook the Andretti tester again. Barnard therefore won the rookie test ahead of Shwartzman and Maloney.

Rookie Free Practice ✅

It is Taylor Barnard who tops the timesheets at the end of the session! ?#MisanoEPrix pic.twitter.com/Zs4RJZ8Sl8

— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) April 12, 2024

First free practice in Misano - the first session for the 22 Formula E regular drivers - starts at 17:00 (CEST). You can follow the practice session as usual in the livestream.

Results & times

Overall standings (drivers & teams)