Former IndyCar driver Wickens makes single-seater comeback in Formula E test

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Robert Wickens says a return to motorsport at an ‘elite level’ is the goal after driving a single-seater for the first time since his 2018 IndyCar crash that left him paralyzed.

The Canadian driver completed 11 laps behind the wheel of Formula E’s Gen3 car at Portland International Raceway ahead of this weekend’s double-header of the all-electric championship.

The 35-year-old was given the opportunity after contacting Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds last year, as Wickens looks to revive his motorsport career using manual steering.

Robert Wickens drives the Gen3 car

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images

The 30-minute session, which took place at the US track on Friday afternoon, comes six years after Wickens’ accident at Pocono, where he suffered a serious spinal cord injury that left him paralysed.

Speaking to Autosport ahead of his run and on whether it was his ambition to race in Formula E, Wickens said: “For me it’s not about single-seaters, it’s the elite level of motorsport (that I want to race), whether it’s IMSA, whether it’s the World Endurance Championship or Formula E.

“I think it’s just racing against the best drivers in the world, like I did in IndyCar and DTM before my accident. For me, that’s what I need to get back to.”

Robert Wickens

Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images

Wickens returned to racing in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge series in 2022 aboard a factory-backed Hyundai TCR machine entered by Bryan Herta Autosport, where he won the category last season.

Speaking after his Formula E outing, Wickens said: “It was only a few laps but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it left me wanting more. Hopefully this will lead to more opportunities in the future and possibly a rookie test.”

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Despite never having driven a Formula E car before, Wickens came close to competing in the championship when he was offered a drive for the 2018-2019 season just a week after signing his IndyCar contract with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.

He added: “It was always a goal but the paddock was so competitive it was difficult to get my foot in the door.

“Luckily Jeff and Formula E helped open that door for me and gave me an opportunity, so now the goal is to pass that rookie test and be judged like any other driver.”