Formula E: Fortescue Zero officially signs Dan Ticktum to partner Taylor Barnard

Dan Ticktum has secured a new seat for Formula E's Gen4 era. The Briton joins Fortescue Zero Racing following his departure from Cupra Kiro and will race alongside Taylor Barnard. The move completes the Australian team's driver line-up for the 2026/27 season. Ticktum had also held talks with other teams before agreeing to the deal.

The move had been on the cards for several weeks. In mid-October, it was reported that Ticktum was close to reaching an agreement with Fortescue Zero. After five seasons with the team now known as Cupra Kiro, which previously competed under the Nio 333 and ERT names, the Briton is set to begin a new chapter in his Formula E career.

"What I love about this team is that they want to do things differently," Ticktum said to FE Notebook. "To get to race and represent Fortescue Zero Racing in its first season is a huge honour. Getting to be part of building a team from scratch is exciting, especially one that's got a long history of competing and winning."

Ticktum claimed two Formula E victories with Cupra Kiro before leaving the team at the end of the 2025/26 season. His former seat has been taken by Jake Hughes, who will race alongside Pepe Martí at the Porsche customer team.

Fortescue Zero fields all-British driver line-up

At Fortescue Zero, Ticktum joins fellow Briton Taylor Barnard, who was confirmed as the team's first driver on 12 October. Barnard previously raced for DS Penske and claimed his maiden Formula E victory at the season finale in London. Fortescue Zero therefore heads into the Gen4 era with two race winners who have both demonstrated impressive qualifying pace.

Team principal Jim Wright is convinced by his new signing: "Dan is a fierce competitor. He's fast, fearless, a proven race winner in Formula E and not afraid to push boundaries."

"We want that hunger in our garage, matched with the discipline and teamwork needed to deliver results. Dan brings experience, strength and a winning personality to the team," Wright added.

Ticktum also held talks with Lola & Fusion

According to FE Notebook, Ticktum explored several options following his departure from Cupra Kiro. In late August, he completed a test with Lola at Guadix in Spain. His management subsequently held talks with the British manufacturer, the new Porsche customer team Fusion and Fortescue Zero.

Ultimately, the prospect of a long-term future with Fortescue Zero is believed to have played a decisive role. The team reportedly convinced Ticktum that it was interested in building a partnership extending beyond the upcoming season.

The Australian outfit has taken over DS Penske's former Formula E operation and will contest its debut season under team principal Jim Wright. Unlike its predecessor, Fortescue Zero will use Jaguar powertrain technology in the Gen4 era. For Ticktum, the move also marks the end of his association with Porsche powertrains, with which he enjoyed his greatest successes in Formula E to date.