While a number of ex-Formula 1 drivers still line up on the Formula E grid, more and more young stars are taking the next steps in their career in the series.
Felix Rosenqvist, Robin Frijns, and Alex Lynn are all members of the new generation of racers making their marks in FE.
As part of the move away from “F1 retirement series”, Marrakesh will host FE’s first rookie test, specifically for those without an e-licence who have never raced in the series before.
Seven of the 10 teams have already announced drivers for the test. Up and coming drivers such as Colton Herta and Maximilian Gunther have already been confirmed and, with five seats still empty, more exciting young talents are expected to be revealed.
Here are five rookies to watch in Marrakesh.
Maximilian Gunther – Dragon Racing
One of the latest to be announced, Maximilian Gunther will start his 2018 behind the wheel of Dragon Racing’s Penske EV-2.
Gunther has spent the past three years racing in the European Formula 3, challenging Lando Norris for the title in 2017.
As a Prema driver, he’s worked with Felix Rosenqvist, who often visits his old F3 team when he’s not racing.
Gunther also has the advantage of being a Mercedes reserve driver in DTM. An impressive test in Marrakesh could lead to him being linked to a full time seat when Mercedes join the series.
James Rossiter – Techeetah
Techeetah bucked the trend when it announced it’s rookie line-up. The team will field not one but two drivers with FE experience but, crucially, neither have raced in the series.
Rossiter got his first taste behind the wheel of an electric race car last summer when he tested with Venturi. He missed out on the drive, but put in some strong performances which could continue in the rookie test.
The 34-year-old has spent the past five years racing in Super GT, finishing fifth in 2017. He also raced in the Super Formula between 2013 and 2016, finishing 10th overall in his last year.
Fred Makowiecki - Techeetah
Another driver with more experience than the term “rookie” would imply, Fred Makowiecki will be getting behind the wheel of Jean-Eric Vergne’s car.
Like many faces in the FE paddock, Makowiecki spent 2017 racing in the World Endurance Championship. He was part of Porsche’s GT team, taking six class podiums including third in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Makowiecki’s advantage comes from his role as a development driver for Michelin. It has given him experience running this generation and the next of FE cars as the tyre manufacturer prepares for the future. That experience, matched with the Techeetah car, should deliver an impressive drive in the test.
Nico Muller – Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler
Already part of the Audi family, Nico Muller will get behind the wheel of an FE car for the first time in Marrakesh.
Muller has been racing with Audi in multiple series since 2014. His main focus has been DTM, where he’s taken a race win and three more podium finishes, but he’s also competed with the manufacturer in GT racing.
He may not have had a stand out career so far but – with support from reigning champion Lucas Di Grassi and the backing of Audi – he could be an FE star of the future.
Michael Benyahia – Venturi
The youngest driver in the rookie test line up, Michael Benyahia will be on testing duties for Venturi in Marrakesh.
The Formula Renault 2.0 NEC champion is another driver with a limited amount of previous experience in an FE car, having run for Venturi during preseason testing.
He was later appointed third driver for the team and attended the Hong Kong ePrix in December.
Benyahia’s third driver duties will continue in Marrakesh where he’ll build on the experience he already has, possibly preparing for a future race seat.