Citroen
10 Jul 2026
FROM THE GRANDSTANDS TO THE COCKPIT : TEAM D ATHLETES AND OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS LAURA NOLTE AND DEBORAH LEVI EXPERIENCE A CITROËN RACING FORMULA E CAR FROM BEDHIND THE WHEEL
From the Grandstands to the Cockpit: What began at the Berlin E-Prix came to life on the circuit at Dreux. Olympic champions Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi swapped their runners for racing tyres to experience all-electric motorsport from behind the wheel of a Formula E car.
Speed knows no season: bobsleigh in winter, racing cars in summer?
What began with an invitation to the Berlin E-Prix evolved into an extraordinary journey combining elite sport and cutting-edge motorsport technology. Together with Citroën Germany, German Olympic champions Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi took on a unique challenge, making the transition from the ice track to the cockpit of a Formula E race car.
As Team D athletes, Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi rank among Germany’s most successful winter sports competitors. Together, they claimed Olympic gold in the two-woman bobsleigh event at both the 2022 and 2026 Winter Olympic Games. They embody speed, precision, courage and teamwork, qualities that naturally led them into a world that may seem very different from bobsleigh at first glance, but ultimately shares many of the same characteristics.
Their journey began at the Berlin E-Prix, where they enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Through conversations with drivers, engineers and team members, it quickly became clear that success in electric motorsport depends on far more than speed and bravery. Precision, concentration, trust in technology and the ability to make the right decisions at the right moment are just as crucial as they are in bobsleigh.
What started as curiosity soon turned into genuine ambition. Following their first immersion in the Formula E paddock, Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi continued their experience through simulator sessions and technical workshops focused on the development of a Formula E race car. They discovered the fundamentals of the championship, gained insight into the demands placed on professional drivers and learned more about the work carried out by a top-level racing team.
The highlight of their journey came at the Dreux circuit, near Paris. For the first time, Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi took to the track behind the wheel of a Formula E car, an opportunity reserved for only a very small number of people around the world.
Just moments before heading out on track, Deborah Levi admitted:
“I’m incredibly excited… so excited that I’m almost feeling sick. But those are exactly the kinds of challenges that create the best stories.”
A few hours later, her excitement had only grown:
“If I ever had the opportunity to do it again, it would definitely become a new hobby of mine.”
Laura Nolte was equally impressed by the experience:
“We’re used to experiencing speed on ice. Now we know what it feels like on a race circuit too. It means the adrenaline doesn’t have to stop when winter ends.”
After several days of preparation, personalised car set-up and comprehensive driver briefings, both athletes finally headed out onto the circuit. They drove a Formula E development car whose power had been limited to 110 kW (approximately 150 hp), allowing them to progressively build confidence behind the wheel.
Weighing just 840 kg including the driver, the car was lighter than a Citroën C3. Its low weight, instant responsiveness and precise handling quickly allowed both athletes to gain confidence and complete several laps in just over one minute.
The day concluded with one final highlight: an Attack Mode standing start simulation. For the first time, both champions experienced the full performance of a Formula E race car, producing 350 kW (475 hp) and showcasing the incredible acceleration and performance of all-electric racing under race conditions.
Their verdict was unanimous:
“Amazing!”
For Citroën Germany, this initiative represents far more than a simple change of perspective. It reflects a philosophy shared by both the brand and its partnership with Team D: curiosity, openness and the courage to explore new experiences.
Formula E is about much more than speed. It combines technology, strategy, efficiency and intelligent performance. These values perfectly reflect Citroën’s DNA, making innovative mobility accessible while encouraging people to embrace new experiences.
Heike Patault, Head of Marketing & Communications, Citroën Racing, said:
“Laura and Deborah have shown just how much is possible when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone. What began as a visit to the Berlin E-Prix became a genuine learning journey, from their first conversations in the paddock, through simulator preparation and technical sessions, to their first laps behind the wheel of a Formula E race car. Their curiosity, courage and willingness to embrace new challenges perfectly reflect the values that define Citroën, as well as the close connection we aim to build with people around the world through our Formula E programme.”
While their first experience behind the wheel may have marked the climax of this adventure, one question remains.
Having successfully made the transition from the ice track to the race circuit, Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi now have an invitation of their own. Formula E World Champion Jean-Éric Vergne is officially invited to switch perspectives and experience speed… this time on runners, in a bobsleigh.
Editor’s Note
The entire experience has been documented through a series of video episodes, following every stage of the journey, from discovering Formula E at the Berlin E-Prix to simulator sessions, technical preparation and finally driving a Formula E race car at Dreux.
The full series is available on Citroën Germany’s Instagram channel.
Speed knows no season: bobsleigh in winter, racing cars in summer?
What began with an invitation to the Berlin E-Prix evolved into an extraordinary journey combining elite sport and cutting-edge motorsport technology. Together with Citroën Germany, German Olympic champions Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi took on a unique challenge, making the transition from the ice track to the cockpit of a Formula E race car.
As Team D athletes, Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi rank among Germany’s most successful winter sports competitors. Together, they claimed Olympic gold in the two-woman bobsleigh event at both the 2022 and 2026 Winter Olympic Games. They embody speed, precision, courage and teamwork, qualities that naturally led them into a world that may seem very different from bobsleigh at first glance, but ultimately shares many of the same characteristics.
Their journey began at the Berlin E-Prix, where they enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Through conversations with drivers, engineers and team members, it quickly became clear that success in electric motorsport depends on far more than speed and bravery. Precision, concentration, trust in technology and the ability to make the right decisions at the right moment are just as crucial as they are in bobsleigh.
What started as curiosity soon turned into genuine ambition. Following their first immersion in the Formula E paddock, Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi continued their experience through simulator sessions and technical workshops focused on the development of a Formula E race car. They discovered the fundamentals of the championship, gained insight into the demands placed on professional drivers and learned more about the work carried out by a top-level racing team.
The highlight of their journey came at the Dreux circuit, near Paris. For the first time, Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi took to the track behind the wheel of a Formula E car, an opportunity reserved for only a very small number of people around the world.
Just moments before heading out on track, Deborah Levi admitted:
“I’m incredibly excited… so excited that I’m almost feeling sick. But those are exactly the kinds of challenges that create the best stories.”
A few hours later, her excitement had only grown:
“If I ever had the opportunity to do it again, it would definitely become a new hobby of mine.”
Laura Nolte was equally impressed by the experience:
“We’re used to experiencing speed on ice. Now we know what it feels like on a race circuit too. It means the adrenaline doesn’t have to stop when winter ends.”
After several days of preparation, personalised car set-up and comprehensive driver briefings, both athletes finally headed out onto the circuit. They drove a Formula E development car whose power had been limited to 110 kW (approximately 150 hp), allowing them to progressively build confidence behind the wheel.
Weighing just 840 kg including the driver, the car was lighter than a Citroën C3. Its low weight, instant responsiveness and precise handling quickly allowed both athletes to gain confidence and complete several laps in just over one minute.
The day concluded with one final highlight: an Attack Mode standing start simulation. For the first time, both champions experienced the full performance of a Formula E race car, producing 350 kW (475 hp) and showcasing the incredible acceleration and performance of all-electric racing under race conditions.
Their verdict was unanimous:
“Amazing!”
For Citroën Germany, this initiative represents far more than a simple change of perspective. It reflects a philosophy shared by both the brand and its partnership with Team D: curiosity, openness and the courage to explore new experiences.
Formula E is about much more than speed. It combines technology, strategy, efficiency and intelligent performance. These values perfectly reflect Citroën’s DNA, making innovative mobility accessible while encouraging people to embrace new experiences.
Heike Patault, Head of Marketing & Communications, Citroën Racing, said:
“Laura and Deborah have shown just how much is possible when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone. What began as a visit to the Berlin E-Prix became a genuine learning journey, from their first conversations in the paddock, through simulator preparation and technical sessions, to their first laps behind the wheel of a Formula E race car. Their curiosity, courage and willingness to embrace new challenges perfectly reflect the values that define Citroën, as well as the close connection we aim to build with people around the world through our Formula E programme.”
While their first experience behind the wheel may have marked the climax of this adventure, one question remains.
Having successfully made the transition from the ice track to the race circuit, Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi now have an invitation of their own. Formula E World Champion Jean-Éric Vergne is officially invited to switch perspectives and experience speed… this time on runners, in a bobsleigh.
Editor’s Note
The entire experience has been documented through a series of video episodes, following every stage of the journey, from discovering Formula E at the Berlin E-Prix to simulator sessions, technical preparation and finally driving a Formula E race car at Dreux.
The full series is available on Citroën Germany’s Instagram channel.
Highlights
