Rising star Nikita Bedrin earns DS Penske call-up for Miami Rookie Free Practice

The countdown to the Miami E-Prix has begun, and excitement is building ahead of the Rookie Free Practice session scheduled a day before the race weekend. DS Penske has now announced that Formula 3 racer Nikita Bedrin will get the opportunity to try his hand at the GEN3 Evo car during the session. Nikita Bedrin will drive for DS Penske in the Miami E-Prix Rookie Free Practice, marking his second outing in a Formula E car. The young driver previously gained experience with the GEN3 machinery during the Berlin Rookie Test last year.Formula E confirmed Nikita Bedrin’s participation on X, while DS Penske were the first to make the announcement, tweeting: “We’re excited to announce that @nikitabedrin1_ will take on Rookie Driver duties for FP0 at the Miami E-Prix.”Formula E’s Instagram account reacted to the news by saying it was “buzzing.” Fans were quick to share their support, with one commenting, “Always proud,” another wishing him, “Good luck Nikita,” and one even calling him a “champion of the future.”Nikita Bedrin is part of the DS Penske Driver Development Program in Formula E. The 20-year-old Russian driver competes under the Italian flag in international racing.Until last year, Bedrin raced in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Jenzer Motorsport and AIX Racing, driving car number 28. He has since joined VRD Racing to compete in the GB3 Championship. Confirming the move, Bedrin announced on Instagram in December: “I’m really excited to be joining VRD Racing for the 2026 GB3 Championship. After some very positive testing where we showed strong pace in both wet and dry conditions, it’s clear that we have a strong foundation to build on heading into the season, and I feel confident in our potential together.”Last year, Bedrin also competed in the Formula Regional European Championship with Sainteloc Racing. Racing under the Italian flag, he made a strong impression with his performances throughout the campaign.The Miami Rookie Free Practice session, scheduled for January 30, will see several young drivers get the chance to familiarize themselves with the GEN3 Evo cars on track. DTM champion Ayhancan Guven has been selected to drive for Porsche during the session.The practice not only allows young racers to experience Formula E machinery but also gives teams an opportunity to assess emerging talent and potentially identify drivers to nurture for the future.