The first name for the upcoming Miami Formula E Rookie Free Practice has finally been announced: Ayhancan Güven will drive for Porsche. It will be an highly desired return for the Turkish driver, who had experienced his electric debut back in July last year at the lengthy Berlin Rookie Test.
A multi-faced talent
Güven, P2 in Berlin, has a wide-ranging motorsport experience, competing mostly in endurance. The most important achievement of his career definitely came last year. In fact, the Porsche-affiliated driver won the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in 2025. In his third year as full time driver, the second with Manthey, Güven claimed five race wins, including the final round in Hockeneim.
His endurance racing career was crowned as well in 2025, as Güven managed to secure second place in the 24 Hours of Daytona, competing in the GTD class with Wright Motorsports. He had joined the German manufacturer family in 2020.
Porsche Formula E Rookie driver Güven, set to take part in the upcoming Rookie Free Practice, is ecstatic at the prospect of driving the German electric challenger. He saluted the announcement as follows.
“I’m really happy about the opportunity to be back in the 99X Electric and to start the Miami weekend for Porsche with the Rookie Free Practice. It’s always an eye-opening experience to work with such a professional group of people, and I’m looking forward to it.”
An important day for all parts involved
Director of Factory Porsche Formula E Florian Modlinger highlighted the importance of having additional track time with the recently introduced Gen3Evo. In fact, he explained he is glad about the mental load off full time drivers.
“Budgets and test days are strictly limited in Formula E. Energy management is complex, and this places particularly high mental demands on the drivers. That significantly reduces the pool of potential candidates. In this respect, we very much welcome the rookie sessions in Formula E.”
A full time future?
Vice President Porsche Motorsport Thomas Laudenbach opened up about the development Güven underwent as a Porsche-backed driver. He also highlighted the challenges he will unfortunately encounter due to his lack of single seaters experience.
“Ayhancan could break new ground for Porsche Motorsport. Until now, our junior development has not been focused on single-seater racing. From the 2026/2027 season, when we will field two additional cars in Formula E, this will also open up new opportunities in that respect.”
Laudenbach additionally explained that Porsche has high hopes for the Turkish driver, in spite of his lack of a superlicense. However, a factory seat for the upcoming season for Güven is not a given yet, he added.
“However, the hurdles for Can are high because he has not previously been a single-seater driver befor. So currently lacks the FIA licence points required for a future in Formula E. In 2026, he will compete with Manthey in the FIA World Endurance Championship – where he could earn those points.”
“So, we have a plan and are supporting Ayhancan. But it is also clear that he must continue to prove himself within the Formula E project – next in Miami.”
