Cupra races back into Formula E for start of Season 11
Cupra will return to Formula E this weekend as it joins forces with Kiro Race Co.
The Spanish firm, which partnered the ABT team for the past two years has signed up as ‘co-title partner’ with America’s Kiro Race Co, which is making its Formula E debut this year after absorbing the ERT team operations.
The new team – named Cupra Kiro – will make its official debut at the Brazilian E-Prix, with drivers Dan Ticktum and David Beckmann piloting its cars. A special one-off livery will be used on the Porsche 99X Electric WCG3 cars before a new team livery is revealed at the Mexico City E-Prix in January.
Xavi Serra, global head of racing at Cupra commented: “Joining Kiro Race Co is the logical next step for Cupra. By combining our technical know-how with the team, we are fully prepared to compete at the highest level.
“Our commitment to Formula E comes from our racing DNA, alongside the format’s ability to give us a competitive platform to develop the future of electric road cars..
Alex Hui, team principal of Cupra Kiro, added: “Our collaboration is a significant moment in our journey as a team, and Cupra’s own performance-driven attitude perfectly complements our own goal of one day racing into history in Formula E. This weekend’s São Paulo E-Prix will be our first race together as Cupra Kiro, and I can’t wait to showcase what we can achieve in Brazil.”
The new Cupra Kiro team will compete with 10 other teams, including Nissan and Lola Yamaha, across 16 rounds in the 11th season of the Formula E championship.
This season sees the championship return to free-to-air TV in the UK and Ireland. ITV has secured the rights to show every race live on its ITVX streaming platform, and nine races will also be broadcast live on ITV4, with Nicki Shields joining as lead presenter.