Dan Ticktum and David Beckmann have officially been confirmed as the drivers for the Kiro Formula E team for the 2024-25 season, rounding out the team’s lineup just days before the campaign’s opening race in São Paulo. Both drivers had already appeared on the official entry list for the Formula E World Championship, which was released last week, but the confirmation of their participation was delayed due to the team’s rebranding and changes in ownership during the off-season.
The team, formerly known as ERT and before that as NIO 333, underwent a major transformation after being acquired by American investment firm The Forest Road Company. This acquisition ensured the team’s continuation in the championship and paved the way for a fresh start. As part of the rebrand, the team will now compete under the Kiro name and will be running Porsche powertrains, which have powered the last two drivers’ titles, marking a significant shift for the team.
Dan Ticktum, who will be entering his fourth Formula E season, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming year, especially after a strong pre-season test performance in Spain where he finished second fastest. Ticktum, who will now race with Kiro as a customer team, emphasized the relentless nature of Formula E and how it constantly pushes both drivers and teams to their limits. He admitted that while it is important to have modest expectations, the unpredictable nature of Formula E means that every lap presents an opportunity. With a positive atmosphere within the team, Ticktum is hopeful of translating his promising pre-season form into regular top-10 finishes throughout the season.
David Beckmann, on the other hand, will be embarking on his first full-time Formula E campaign. The 24-year-old German driver has previously made a one-off appearance in the 2023 season with Porsche customer team Andretti, and he has spent the last two years serving as Porsche’s reserve driver. Beckmann’s inclusion in the Kiro team is seen as an exciting opportunity for him to rise to the challenge of competing full-time in the all-electric series. During pre-season testing, Beckmann topped one of the six sessions, further raising expectations for his debut season. Despite the pressure to perform, Kiro team principal Alex Hui has assured that there is "zero pressure from Porsche" for Beckmann, giving him the freedom to compete without added external expectations.
As the Kiro team heads into the 2024-25 season, the excitement is palpable. With Ticktum and Beckmann at the helm, the team aims to build on the momentum generated during pre-season testing and convert it into consistent performance on the track. The new Gen3 Evo car will bring additional challenges and opportunities, and both drivers are eager to rise to the occasion and establish themselves as strong competitors in Formula E. With the rebrand and new ownership, Kiro is determined to make a mark in the highly competitive championship, and the upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for the team and its drivers.
