Cupra Kiro boss issues update on second Formula E seat situation

Cupra Kiro team principal Russell O'Hagan has revealed that Dan Ticktum remains in contention for the team's second Formula E race seat, despite the Briton testing for rival outfit Lola Yamaha during the off-season.

Ticktum completed a two-day private development test in Guadix, Spain, aboard Lola Yamaha's Gen4 test car, marking the first time in his Formula E career he has driven for a team other than Cupra Kiro, previously known as ERT and NIO 333. 

He has also held discussions with other teams on the grid over potential race drives for the 2026-27 season, running parallel to ongoing talks over remaining with Cupra Kiro.

Pepe Marti's side of the garage is already settled. The Spaniard extended his deal with the team in September, having impressed as a rookie last season with podium finishes in Monaco and Sanya. 

Who joins him remains the outstanding question as the team prepares for Formula E's new Gen4 era, which brings permanent all-wheel drive, peak power outputs of 600kW and a heavier car overall.

However, with a revamped sporting format which features more points being on offer in qualifying, drivers who excel over one-lap are highly desired. Last season, it was difficult to find a better qualifier than Ticktum.

Cupra Kiro decision 'two or three weeks away'

Speaking to RacingNews365 at Bridgestone's unveiling of its Formula E tyres in Rome last week, O'Hagan said the call is nearing its conclusion.

"Yeah, Dan's still an option," he revealed. "We've got two or three potential options, and we're getting to the point now where we're getting closer to making that decision. So probably a few weeks away, two or three weeks away until it's kind of confirmed publicly. 

"But we've taken the time to make the right choice to understand exactly how the racing will play out, what the cars will look like, what driver qualities that leans into and rewards. Yeah, so getting ever closer to that."

Cupra Kiro has also held talks with current Formula 2 drivers as it weighs up whether to go with an experienced hand or a fresh face for the switch to Gen4 machinery.

Asked whether the shortlist leans towards experience or youth, O'Hagan was non-committal.

"It's a mix," O'Hagan replied. "There's no other names that we can share. I think in Formula E there's quite a high barrier for rookies typically, but as you see with any big step change in technical regulations, sometimes to come in as a rookie in the first year of a new generation can give you a benefit because obviously you're not comparing to something that's different from before. 

"Yeah, so there's not as many barriers to making that selection as there would normally be. It's going to come down to talent and making the right choice. So, in a few weeks' time, everyone will know which way we're going."