Porsche’s Gen4 Formula E car impresses in Monza test

Porsche completed a two-day private test of its Gen4 Formula E development car, the 975 RSE, at Monza, running in both dry and wet conditions as preparations continue for the car’s competitive debut in Season 13. The test also marked the first time a Formula E team had used the circuit for testing.

Dry and wet running gave Porsche different conditions to assess

Nico Müller and two-time world champion Pascal Wehrlein shared the driving on the opening day, when the track was dry. Rain arrived overnight, leaving the second day wet and damp. Porsche customer team Cupra Kiro joined the Sunday running, with Pepe Marti also driving the development car.

The circuit’s long straights and heavy braking zones gave Porsche an opportunity to assess the car’s high-speed braking systems. Each straight ends with a braking zone requiring the car to absorb substantial energy, making those areas a particular focus during the test.

The fastest lap was set early on the first day: 1m 32s, according to RacingNews365’s sources. The car was still being developed and had not been fully optimised; the lap was also completed on used tyres. Porsche did not schedule a qualifying-style run on fresh rubber, so the time came during the planned programme rather than an all-out lap. A simulator lap had indicated that a quicker time might be achievable.

The test adds to the backdrop of Porsche’s Season 13 line-up, with Wehrlein and Müller set to remain with the team.

The 975 RSE exceeded 300 km/h without reaching its limit

The car reportedly came close to its theoretical top speed without being pushed to the maximum. It comfortably passed 300 km/h before the braking zones and reached its peak speed around the start-finish straight. Some straight-line speed was still held back, leaving a margin rather than using the car’s full potential.

Sunday’s damp running was also described as particularly impressive. The 975 RSE’s permanent all-wheel-drive system and Bridgestone tyres were identified as key contributors to its performance in those conditions. The Ascari chicane was singled out as one of the most striking places to watch the car on track.

Porsche’s test was completed without any pressing issues across either day. Cupra Kiro’s participation also reflects its place as a Porsche customer in the upcoming GEN4 era, covered in our report on the team’s continued Porsche relationship. The car remains in development, but its speed and behaviour in changing conditions stood out during the Monza programme.