P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The new-look Kiro Formula E team has secured backing from ambitious manufacturer Cupra alongside its Porsche tie-up
The Cupra brand will continue its presence in Formula E for the next two seasons as an official partner of the newly named Kiro Race Co team, which takes powertrains from Cupra’s VW Group stablemate Porsche. Abt, formerly Cupra’s title partner in FE and Extreme E, has now teamed up with the Lola-Yamaha alliance for its next FE project. The initial livery of Kiro’s cars, raced by Dan Ticktum and David Beckmann in Sao Paulo, will be a one-off, with a new look to be introduced from the Mexico City E-Prix onwards. Porsche-contracted Beckmann, a late addition to the lineup, replaced Sergio Sette Camara as part of the Kiro transition. Sette Camara has moved to Nissan as a reserve and simulator driver in FE.
The Cupra deal with Kiro was assisted by Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds to help finalize the partnership. Cupra announced its significant operating profit increase and plans to enter the US market by the end of the decade with electric vehicle launches. The Kiro team was recently acquired by US-based Forest Road and Ares Management and joins Formula E after being introduced by Liberty Global. Cupra’s head of racing emphasized the brand’s readiness to compete in Formula E and develop electric road cars, supported by the partnership.
The completion of the deal was also influenced by commercial expert Jon Wilde, reflecting growing interest in Formula E as a platform for global brands. Forest Road’s managing director highlighted the shared vision of challenging the status quo in both companies. This aligns with Cupra’s goal of utilizing FE as a competitive platform for electric car development and racing. The evolving partnership is seen as a step towards achieving long-term targets for the sports franchise, continuing to build strong commercial relationships in the global market.
