Opel Completes 6,000 Formula E Test Kilometres Ahead of Jarama Debut
Opel says its GSE 27FE Formula E programme has completed more than 6,000 kilometres across 12 test days and secured FIA homologation. The October 16, 2026 update moves the story beyond the racer’s Paris livery reveal to the work needed before its first championship season.
From development running to race preparation
The team initially concentrated on reliability and has since shifted toward performance, energy management and set-up in the car’s two aerodynamic configurations. Opel says construction of its first race car is underway, with a shakedown planned for early November.
Drivers Mitch Evans and Théo Pourchaire are preparing for the 2026/27 season, supported by test and development driver Sophia Flörsch. Garage procedures, pit-wall processes and freight movements are also part of the current preparation.
The next dates to watch
| Early November 2026 | Opel’s planned shakedown |
| November 16–20, 2026 | Collective pre-season testing at Jarama, Spain |
Formula E’s own announcement confirms Jarama’s November 16–20 test dates. It describes the GEN4 generation as using permanent all-wheel drive and up to 600 kW in ATTACK MODE. Those championship technical figures should not be confused with a claim that every lap or operating mode uses maximum power.
What 6,000 kilometres can tell us
A substantial mileage total demonstrates that a programme has been running; it does not reveal its competitive position. Different fuel-free energy targets, tyre use, software settings and run plans can make isolated test times misleading. The useful comparison will come when the field shares a circuit and, ultimately, races under common conditions.
Homologation fixes the approved technical specification. It is a regulatory milestone, not a guarantee of reliability or a prediction of wins. Opel has not published comparable rival test data in this update.
The new milestone builds on our Paris report on the GSE road car and Formula E racer. For Opel’s separate electric rally programme, see the Sanremo cup preview.
Sources: Opel testing update, October 16, 2026; Formula E’s official Jarama test announcement. Mileage is reported by Opel; Chiefs Review did not attend the tests.
Featured image: Archive Formula 4 racing photograph at Circuit Paul Ricard, used to illustrate single-seater motorsport. It does not show Formula E, the Opel GSE 27FE or Jarama testing. Photo: Clément Delacre / Unsplash. Image license.