Cupra Kiro’s duo of Dan Ticktum and Pepe Marti both remain excited and optimistic ahead of the arrival of Formula E in Shanghai.
Past pace hoping to be replicated for Ticktum in Shanghai
A promising qualifying in Sanya where Ticktum lined up fourth for Cupra Kiro ultimately materialised into nothing as the British driver slumped to a fourth consecutive pointless race.
Fourteenth was the best he could do as his team slipped behind Citroen in the championship standings, now three points adrift of the French team.
Looking ahead to Shanghai the strong showing last year for Cupra Kiro has handed Ticktum a confidence boost as he looks to return to the points scoring positions once more.
“Shanghai is a very different track to Sanya,” he explained. “Because of the energy sensitivity there will be a lot of lighting and coasting, slipstreaming and we’ll see a lot of peloton-style pack racing.”
“We’ve prepared as much as we can, but strategy will be very important this weekend. We had some good pace in Shanghai last year so I’m hoping for a good result.”
Ahead of Shanghai fourteenth is where Ticktum finds himself in the driver’s standings, with Joel Erikson 6 points ahead. Despite his position, Ticktum remains within touching distance of the top ten, 31 points adrift.
Excitement ahead of Shanghai debut for Marti with Cupra Kiro
Making his debut around the Shanghai International Circuit, Pepe Marti arrives briming with confidence off the back of his second consecutive podium in Sanya.
The Spaniard stormed to second overall for his second podium in Formula E after his maiden visit to the podium in Monaco.
“I felt really good in Sanya in terms of how we were performing and working together as a team,” Marti detailed. “I think the next step is qualifying.”
While race trim has certainly been the Cupra Kiro driver’s strength, qualifying in Formula E continues to be his gremlin.
Just one top ten start all season highlights a continuing issue for the Spaniard with points finishes going amiss due to a lack of pace early in the weekend.
Looking back at Sanya qualifying Marti said “We missed out on the duels by such a small margin last time, and if we can make it into the duels for both races we should be able to fight for more good results this weekend.”
This weekend also marks Marti’s debut around the Shanghai circuit, one he is certainly looking forward to. “I’m really excited to race in Shanghai for the first time. Coming to Shanghai after the two good results with the podiums in Monaco and Sanya really brings up my confidence.”
O’Hagan reflects driver’s excitement for Formula E in Shanghai
Cupra Kiro Team principle Russell O’Hagan mirrored Marti’s excitement for Shanghai claiming “We’re looking forward to getting back on track in Shanghai,” after what he classed was an “encouraging race weekend,” in the Formula E Sanya weekend.
“Last season we were genuinely competitive in Shanghai and although we came away having missed out on the podium the performance gave us confidence heading into this weekend.”
“Over the past two events we’ve successfully established some positive momentum and having that form and, in turn, capitalising upon it, will be incredibly important in the upcoming run of races.”
“Our objective is to build on the current progress we’ve made over recent races ad hopefully, convert our pace into another strong set of results.”
“With Dan’s outright speed, Pepe’s current form and the team’s level of determination, we have all the right ingredients to fight at the front.”
