Forward of the primary Components E rookie take a look at since 2020, NEOM McLaren Components E Group have confirmed that endurance driver Charlie Eastwood and Components 3 driver Luke Browning will full the take a look at for the Woking-based crew, which takes place a day after the Berlin E-Prix.
Eastwood and Browning will get an unbelievable alternative to check McLaren’s first Gen3 automotive on the Tempelhof Avenue Circuit in Berlin, a day after the eighth spherical of the 2022/23 ABB FIA Components E World Championship.
Getting to participate within the take a look at will merely add to what has already been an excellent yr for Eastwood, with the Irishman having received the Asian Le Mans Collection firstly of the yr for DKR Engineering‘s LMP2 set-up. Eastwood can be competing within the LMP2 class within the European Le Mans Collection this yr, while his marketing campaign within the FIA World Endurance Championship has already began.
Eastwood is competing within the LMGTE Am for ORT by TF Sport, along with his marketing campaign within the WEC having began with a ninth-place end at Sebring. With all of that in thoughts, it’s actually been a busy begin to the yr for the Asian Le Mans Collection Champion; nevertheless, he can’t wait to drive one thing “very completely different” within the type of McLaren’s Gen3 challenger.
“I’m actually trying ahead to be leaping into the NEOM McLaren Components E automotive. I’m grateful for the chance to achieve some expertise in very completely different equipment than regular. I’ll be trying to choose up as a lot as I can from the profitable and skilled crew I can be surrounded by. Will probably be a unique type of driving in comparison with what I’m used to – I don’t doubt I’ve quite a bit to study, however I’m keen to select it up as shortly as attainable. Wanting ahead to the twenty fourth!”
Browning can be “completely buzzing” with the chance to check in Berlin, with him having already acquired a “style” of what’s set to return within the simulator. This yr is Browning’s first in Components 3 after he made the transfer from the GB3 Championship, which he received final season. He’s actually a really proficient driver destined to go larger up the motorsport ladder, after making a stable begin to his maiden F3 marketing campaign. He additionally received the 2022 Autosport BRDC Award.
Browning is a fan of the all-electric sequence and particularly “loves the complexity of the sequence”, maybe suggesting that he’d be all for a future transfer to Components E!
“I’m completely buzzing to drive the Gen3 automotive on the Berlin Rookie Check. I’ve been lucky sufficient to attend a few of the races earlier this season, and I actually just like the championship. I really like the complexity of the sequence, in addition to the automotive itself. I’ve had a style of it on the simulator and I’m certain there can be quite a bit to study on the day. I’m tremendous excited and might’t wait to work with the crew.”
Group Principal Ian James is delighted with the crew’s lineup for the rookie take a look at and is especially happy to see the rookie take a look at make a return after a number of years away, with it giving the groups an excellent probability to supply a take a look at to “rising expertise”.
“I’m pleased to have the ability to host an official rookie take a look at once more this season,” James mentioned. “It’s a great way for us as groups to present expertise the chance to get a style of the Gen3 equipment, whereas having the ability to consider them on the identical time. Our line-up is an thrilling mixture of Charlie, who we’ve been working intently along with for some time now, and Luke, who’s an rising expertise. Will probably be nice to see each of them out on monitor.
“It’s good to see important curiosity within the sequence, from each up-and-coming expertise, in addition to established drivers.”
