Kiro Race Co. has confirmed that Dan Ticktuma and David Beckmann in its maiden Formula E season, completing the Formula E field for the upcoming season.
Both drivers tested for the team in Spain last month, but the team has waited until the week for the first race of the campaign – in Sao Paulo this Saturday – to announce that they will race for the team for the full season. In the four-day test at Jarama, Ticktum and Beckmann were second and fourth quickest overall, logging a combined total of 421 laps.
“Since announcing Kiro Race Co’s involvement in Formula E for Season 11, we’ve been very transparent with our aims – we want to defy expectations, we want to be consistent top-10 contenders, and we want to redefine what it means to be a racing team,” said Kiro team principal Alex Hui. “Our driver lineup embodies that mission perfectly. In Dan – who has been described as the best British driver not in F1 – we have an experienced, young athlete who not only has the drive and determination to be the best, but also has the speed and ability to one day be a World Champion.
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“David’s ambition, meanwhile, is unmistakable, and although he’ll be a rookie this season, his existing experience in Formula E – which includes two race starts and three seasons as a reserve driver – put him in a better position than the majority of drivers who join the series.
“Season 11 is just the first chapter of our journey in Formula E. There’ll be highs and lows, ups and downs, and we know that success won’t come overnight. We’re only at the start of what will be a long road, but we’re committed to this journey, and we’re excited to see what the coming season has in store.”
Ticktum races for the team having raced for the team in its previous incarnations NIO and ERT for the last three seasons, achieving nine points finishes in 48 starts.
“It’s clear to me that Kiro Race Co is hungry, ambitious, and ready to make a statement in Formula E, and that’s exactly the kind of environment I thrive in as a racing driver,” said Ticktum. “Over the past few years, I’ve learned first-hand that Formula E is unlike any other form of motorsport – the racing is relentless, the on-track battles are fierce, and it pushes you to your limits, demanding absolutely everything from both the driver, and the team.
“Ahead of a new season, it’s important to have modest expectations, but in a category as wild as this, there are open opportunities every single lap. After a promising pre-season test, I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to convert this attitude into regular top 10 performances. The atmosphere and energy within the team is very positive, and I can’t wait to get the season started in Sao Paulo.”
Formula 2 podium finisher Beckmann made two starts for Andretti in the 2022-23 season, having spent the last two seasons in a test and reserve for Andretti and then Porsche. Kiro will compete this season as a Porsche customer, using last season’s technology from the German manufacturer.
“Joining Kiro Race Co’s ranks for my first full season in Formula E is a dream come true, and I’m excited to rise to the challenge,” said Beckmann. “Although I’ll be a rookie this year, I think I’m coming into the season with a unique experience having seen the evolution from GEN2 to GEN3, and again with the GEN3 Evo, first-hand in my past roles with Andretti and Porsche.
“At testing, my main goal was to get comfortable in the car and integrate myself well in the team, and overall, the week was very encouraging. The whole atmosphere right now is very inspiring, and it feels like we’re all working in the same direction, with one shared goal. I’m really looking forward to Brazil.”
