Milton Keynes, 03-12-2024 – The electric roar of Formula E is set to grow louder with the debut of the CUPRA KIRO team, a thrilling collaboration between CUPRA and Kiro Race Co. This weekend in São Paulo, Brazil, marks the dawn of a new era as the team takes to the track on 7 December, showcasing a dynamic blend of youth, innovation, and racing prowess.
The CUPRA KIRO team enters the global stage with two cutting-edge cars powered by Porsche Motorsport technology. As a bold challenger brand, CUPRA brings its unmistakable racing DNA to the partnership, further cementing its legacy in motorsport. With next-generation drivers Dan Ticktum and David Beckmann at the helm, CUPRA KIRO underscores its commitment to nurturing young talent while aiming for podium finishes in the 2024/25 Formula E season.
A Partnership Driven by Excellence
The partnership represents a convergence of expertise and ambition. CUPRA’s decision to join forces with Kiro Race Co and leverage the championship-winning Porsche 99X Electric WCG3 platform marks a strategic evolution in its motorsport journey.
“Joining Kiro Race Co is the logical next step for CUPRA,” said Xavi Serra, Global Head of Racing at CUPRA. “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, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the synergy between CUPRA’s performance-driven ethos and Kiro Race Co’s vision. “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,” Hui remarked.
This collaboration also benefits from the strategic insight of The Forest Road Company, a Los Angeles-based investment firm that acquired Kiro Race Co for Season 11. Jeremy Tarica, Managing Director of The Forest Road Company, emphasized the significance of this partnership. “Welcoming a disruptive automotive brand such as CUPRA as our partner represents an incredible milestone for Kiro Race Co. Our new chapter together as CUPRA KIRO begins in Brazil, and I can’t begin to express my excitement.”
Empowering the Next Generation
CUPRA KIRO is more than a racing team; it’s a platform for fostering future stars. Dan Ticktum, 25, and David Beckmann, 24, bring a wealth of experience and youthful energy to the grid. Both drivers have excelled across racing categories, with Beckmann clocking an impressive 1m27.755s during official Formula E tests in Madrid.
Their inclusion reflects CUPRA’s forward-thinking approach, blending cutting-edge technology with a commitment to empowering emerging talent. As Xavi Serra noted, “Developing young drivers isn’t just about competing today—it’s about shaping the future of racing.”
São Paulo to the World
The CUPRA KIRO team’s debut car livery will make its first appearance in São Paulo, embodying the team’s bold and innovative spirit. A full-season livery will be unveiled in January at the Mexico City E-Prix, setting the tone for a thrilling 2025 season spanning iconic cities such as Miami, Berlin, Monaco, and London.
CUPRA KIRO’s entry into Formula E isn’t just about racing; it’s a declaration of intent. By blending youthful energy, technological expertise, and an unrelenting drive for excellence, the team is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world’s premier electric racing series.
The countdown to São Paulo begins.
