Porsche Selects Ayhancan Güven and Elia Weiss for Formula E Rookie Test

In a significant move for the motorsport community, Porsche has announced that DTM driver Ayhancan Güven and 16-year-old Elia Weiss will represent the brand in the upcoming Formula E Rookie Test scheduled for July 14, 2025, in Berlin. This event will occur just after the German E-Prix, where 22 rookie drivers will have the opportunity to test their skills in Formula E cars, aiming to showcase their potential in a competitive environment.

Ayhancan Güven, a Turkish driver celebrated for his achievements in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), is set to make his debut in a Porsche factory car. Güven, 27, has made a name for himself in the DTM, clinching two victories in a Porsche 911 GT3 R earlier this season at Oschersleben and Zandvoort. His journey began in karting before transitioning into sim racing, where he honed his skills alongside Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen. Güven's recent successes have earned him recognition in Turkey, with the Ministry of Sport commending his accomplishments.

Elia Weiss, born on June 22, 2009, will be the youngest driver to participate in the Formula E Rookie Test. The Munich native is part of the Motorsport Team Germany, a junior program supported by the ADAC Stiftung Sport and the German motorsport federation, DMSB. Weiss has already established himself as a promising talent in the racing world, winning the 2024 German karting championship and now competing in Formula 4 with Cram Motorsport in Italy. At just 16, he recently obtained the international B license required to drive the Porsche 99X Electric, which boasts impressive acceleration capabilities.

The Formula E Rookie Test is a crucial opportunity for emerging drivers to gain experience in single-seater electric racing, which presents unique challenges, particularly concerning energy management and mental endurance. As noted by Florian Modlinger, Director of Factory Motorsport Formula E at Porsche, the test is essential for teams to evaluate drivers unfamiliar with the complexities of Formula E vehicles.

During the Rookie Test, Güven will transition from GT racing to single-seater racing, a change he views as an exciting challenge. He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, "As a driver with a GT racing background, driving a single-seater without a roof over my head is an experience I’m really looking forward to." Meanwhile, Weiss conveyed his pride in participating for Porsche, emphasizing the respect he has for the opportunity and his commitment to rigorous training to prepare for the physical demands of the Formula E car.

The upcoming test will be pivotal for both drivers, providing them with invaluable experience that could shape their future careers in motorsport. The event will also extend Porsche's presence in Formula E, as they compete in their sixth season with both the factory team and customer teams, including Andretti Formula E and Cupra Kiro. The insights gained from this series are instrumental to Porsche's development of electric sports cars, aligning with the brand's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

The Formula E Rookie Test is scheduled to take place at Tempelhofer Feld airfield in Berlin, where the track will be dismantled following the test. This event marks a significant moment in both Güven's and Weiss's careers, highlighting Porsche's dedication to nurturing young talent in the competitive world of motorsports.