CUPRA KIRO returns to the track on December 6th to kick off the 2025/26 FIA Formula E World Championship season in São Paulo, Brazil.
Electric atmosphere
Since joining Formula E in 2022/23, the São Paulo Street Circuit has hosted one of the sport’s most dedicated motorsport fanbases, making it the ideal setting for Round 1.
The season opener will also mark exactly one year since CUPRA KIRO’s Formula E debut. Throughout Season 11, the team claimed their first podium, first win, and first pole position, all thanks to Dan Ticktum.
Ticktum will continue to drive for CUPRA KIRO this season alongside newcomer Pepe Martí.
São Paulo track suits Ticktum
Ahead of the season opener, Ticktum said, “We are finally back, and I’m looking forward to it. It’s felt like quite a long off-season to be honest, but I think we’ve made a lot of improvements since we were last in São Paulo. From what we’ve learned across the past season with the car, we’re much more likely to hit the ground running this year.”
Ticktum claimed 85 points to finish 11th in Season 11, marking his best result since joining Formula E in 2021. The result highlights the progress he and the team have made.
He continued: “São Paulo is a track that suits me as a driver, so if we can get the package in the window – which I’m pretty confident we can – then we can have a good weekend and hopefully, start the season off well.”
Martí’s debut in Brazil
Martí completed his first laps in Formula E during pre-season testing in Valencia, finishing 11th overall as the fastest rookie driver.
“I’m super excited for the start of the season. This weekend will be my first time in Brazil, my first time in São Paulo, and my first time racing in South America. It’s going to be a very interesting experience for me. I’m anticipating a massive learning curve with it being my debut in Formula E,” he shared.
While still adjusting to the Formula E machinery and format, he added: “I’m not expecting much from the weekend in terms of results. I’m just looking to learn from the team as much as possible, focus on the learning experience, and have fun.”
O’Hagan on Season 12 goals
Following a promotion to Team Principal, Russell O’Hagan will lead CUPRA KIRO through Season 12 while supporting both Ticktum and Martí on and off the track.
“We’re all looking forward to getting the season started in São Paulo after a long but productive off-season. Since the end of Season 11, we’ve been taking important steps to strengthen ourselves operationally and we’re in a much stronger position than we were here 12 months ago. We will be hitting the ground running, and I am looking forward to seeing Dan pick up where he left off last season and start his championship well.”
“For Pepe, this will be his first full competitive experience of Formula E. Despite his late signing, his work during Pre-Season Testing and intensive sim sessions mean he is well prepared going into the weekend. Our targets for him for Brazil, and the opening races of the season, are focused on him building experience and an understanding of how Formula E races unfold and staying focused as they ebb and flow.”
He concluded: “As a team, we’re very excited to get started and lay the foundation for a strong season ahead.”
