CUPRA KIRO has signed rising Filipina talent Bianca Bustamante as its Development Driver in the FIA Formula E World Championship, marking the 20-year-old’s entry into the all-electric series’ team environment. The announcement follows her eye-catching P3 result at the 2024 Formula E all-female test in Jarama, Spain.
Bustamante is set to make her first official appearance with CUPRA KIRO at the Jakarta E-Prix on June 20-21, where she will shadow the team and work closely with race drivers Dan Ticktum and David Beckmann. She will immerse herself in team operations as part of her early integration into the Formula E paddock.
Her first track action in CUPRA KIRO colors will come at the Berlin rookie test on July 14, 2025, held at the Tempelhof Street Circuit—an unforgiving, high-grip venue built on the grounds of the historic Berlin Tempelhof Airport. In preparation for the test, Bustamante will undergo intensive simulator training and technical briefings with the team.
Bustamante’s new role runs alongside her GB3 campaign, where she continues to hone her skills in single-seaters as part of her ongoing development toward a potential future in Formula 1.
Bianca Bustamante, Development Driver, CUPRA KIRO
“Joining CUPRA KIRO is a major step forward in my Formula E journey. The team’s dynamic and unconventional approach to racing has already left a strong impression on me. Being able to learn from Dan, David, and the technical team is a priceless opportunity. I’m excited to contribute wherever I can and can’t wait to get behind the wheel in Berlin.”
Russell O’Hagan, Chief Operating Officer, CUPRA KIRO
“Bianca brings both talent and purpose to CUPRA KIRO. Her rapid ascent in single-seaters, combined with her advocacy for broader inclusion in motorsport, aligns perfectly with our values. Supporting the next generation of drivers is vital to the sport’s progress, and we’re proud to play a role in Bianca’s growth. We’re looking forward to seeing her involvement with the team deepen in the lead-up to the Berlin rookie test.”
