Kiro Race Co has confirmed that Dan Ticktum and David Beckmann will drive for the team in Season 11 of the FIA Formula E World Championship.
The team, formerly known as ERT, becomes the final team to announce its driver line-up, with the now-American squad, running with Porsche powertrains, opting for the German marque’s reserve driver.
The outgoing Sergio Sette Camara and Sacha Fenestraz, remained options for some time, but when Kiro ceased powertrain operations and became a Porsche customer, it is believed that those in Stuttgart wanted one of their affiliated drivers to run.
Beckmann was the first choice from the outset, with FE veteran Andre Lotterer also considered.
Ticktum’s resumption was never in doubt, with rumours swirling that the Englishman was a key figure introducing the key figures at the team to the Forest Road investment firm that now owns it.
The news will not come as a shock, with Beckmann having tested alongside Ticktum for the team at the pre-season test in Jarama last month.
Both men were also included on the FIA’s entry list for Saturday’s opening round in São Paulo.
Ticktum ‘the best British driver not in F1’
“Since announcing Kiro Race Co’s involvement in Formula E for Season 11, we’ve been very transparent with our aims,” stated Team Principal Alex Hui, “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.
“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 the be the best, but also has the speed and ability to one day be a World Champion.
“David’s ambition, meanwhile, is unmistakeable, 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 said: “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.
“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 São Paulo.”
Beckmann described his inclusion as “a dream come true,” adding: “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.”
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