The summer break is finally over! Formula E is back this week with a bang, with the first collective preseason test taking place at Donington Park UK.

Here’s a quickfire guide to the week ahead.

What is Formula E collective preseason testing?

The sport has 10 teams, nine of whom have built their own powertrains (the new Techeetah outfit has purchased one from Renault). The constructors have all been allocated 15 days of private track testing to make sure their innards are all working properly. Collective preseason testing brings all the teams together to complete their running and try out new drivers in full view of their competitors, the media and the public.

Other events take place as well as track running. Later today, Mahindra Racing will be unveiling their new, fan-designed livery (8pm UK-time). Tomorrow morning, Venturi will be confirming a key new partner (9am Uk-time).

When is Formula E collective preseason testing?

This year there are two three-day sessions. The first begins this week, from Tuesday to Thursday this week (23 to 25 August).

Where is Formula E collective preseason testing?

Donington Park, home of the sport’s technical HQ.

What time are the sessions on?

This is still to be confirmed. Last year, teams enjoyed six hours of running per day, split into morning and afternoon sessions (either 1200-1300 and 1400-1900, or 0900-1200 and 1400-1700). We’ll update this when we know more.

Are the sessions open to the public?

Some of them are. The opening day of testing is limited to teams and media. Wednesday and Thursday are open to the public, with tickets available via registration at the Formula E website.

Which teams are taking part in the test?

All 10 teams signed up for season three: Renault e.dams, ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport, DS Virgin Racing, Dragon Racing, Mahindra Racing, Venturi, NextEV, MS Amlin Andretti, Techeetah (which bought out Team Aguri) and the much-anticipated new Jaguar Racing.

Who will be driving for the teams?

Most of the Formula E teams will be using their season three racing drivers, to give them as much time behind the wheel as possible before Hong Kong. Jaguar Racing will apparently be testing with Adam Carroll, who is earmarked for a race seat. GP2 drivers Mitch Evans and Alex Lynn and WEC’s Harry Tincknell are said to be battling over the second seat so they’ll be looking to impress.

The other question mark hovers over Mahindra Racing, where the second seat alongside Nick Heidfeld is still to be confirmed.

How can I follow testing?

If you’re not planning on actually coming along to the track, your best bet is to follow the live timing screens throughout the day, which can usually be accessed via the Formula E site. We haven’t heard of any plans to stream any live footage.

Of course, you can also follow Current E; our trackside team will provide updates here throughout the sessions, as well as live on Twitter (@Current_E for the main account; I’ll be blasting out info too at my account, @LukeSmithF1).

Our photographic partner Spacesuit Media will also be there, so you could do worse than to follow their Twitter handles too: Shiv Gohil (@shivraj_photos), Dan Bathie (@danbathie), Nat Twiss (@nattwiss) and Lou Johnson (@LouJohnsonPhoto), as well as their main account (@Spacesuit_Media).

Luke Smith