Madrid Rookie Test: Mahindra Racing’s Theophile Nael and Kush Maini, DS Penske’s Nikita Bedrin sweep top three in both sessions

The Madrid Rookie Test on Sunday proved to be a major success at the Circuito del Jarama, as rookies showcased their skills behind the wheel of the GEN3 Evo cars. Mahindra Racing emerged as the standout team, with Formula E debutant Theophile Nael topping the morning session, followed by team-mate Kush Maini in second. DS Penske’s Nikita Bedrin, who was third in the morning, went on to top the afternoon session. Maini once again finished second, while Nael secured third place.

Theophile Nael tops morning session, Nikita Bedrin leads afternoon at Madrid Rookie Test

The same three rookies occupied the top three positions across both sessions at the Madrid Rookie Test. Mahindra Racing’s new signing, Theophile Nael, set the fastest time of the day during the morning session. Although Nikita Bedrin topped the afternoon session, he was unable to better Nael’s benchmark. Kush Maini remained consistent in second position.




Mahindra Racing praised Nael for his impressive performance in Madrid, sharing his picture on their official Instagram page with the caption: “Not bad for a first-timer @theophile_nael.”



ID@undefined __se__tag_icon ico_copytxtCopy MSID__se__tag_icon ico_embedSocialIcons_instagram Caption not available.


ID@undefined __se__tag_icon ico_copytxtCopy MSID__se__tag_icon ico_embedSocialIcons_instagram Caption not available.


While Nael made his Formula E debut at the Madrid Rookie Test, Kush Maini serves as Mahindra Racing’s reserve driver. He had previously topped the Rookie Free Practice session in Jeddah last year and currently competes in Formula 2. Nael, meanwhile, is no stranger to success, having won the French F4 Championship, the Spanish F4 Championship, and more recently the Macau Grand Prix.

Nikita Bedrin, who currently races in Formula 3, summed up his day on Instagram Stories after topping the afternoon session, writing: “Ending the day on top.”

Madrid Rookie Test morning session

Former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat finished fourth for DS Penske, just behind his team-mate Nikita Bedrin in third. Envision Racing rookie Zak O’Sullivan was fifth, followed by Citroen Racing’s Theo Pourchaire in sixth. Porsche’s Ayhancan Guven took seventh, with Nissan’s Abbi Pulling in eighth. Lola Yamaha ABT’s Richard Verschoor and Andretti’s Freddie Slater completed the top ten in ninth and tenth respectively.

Madrid Rookie Test afternoon session

With the same trio continuing to dominate the top three, Nissan’s Victor Martins claimed fourth place. Citroen Racing’s Theo Pourchaire followed in fifth, maintaining a similar performance to the morning session. Freddie Slater finished sixth, while Zak O’Sullivan was seventh. Andretti’s Callum Voisin took eighth, Nissan’s Abbi Pulling was ninth, and Citroen Racing’s Joshua Durksen rounded out the top ten.

Also read: Pascal Wehrlein celebrates Madrid E-Prix podium with family, says “After three or four laps, I thought it was over”


Stay updated with the latest IPL news on Times of India. Follow the IPL Schedule, check the IPL Points Table, and track the race for the IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.