Formula E: FIA confirms application for Güven as Porsche's DTM champion falls short of e-Licence points

DTM champion Ayhancan Güven's planned Formula E debut is in doubt. Following his WEC campaign, the Porsche factory driver has failed to secure the Super Licence points required to compete in the new Gen4 era. As the FIA has exclusively confirmed to e-Formula.news, a formal application regarding his eligibility has already been submitted. However, a decision has yet to be made. Güven will at least be allowed to participate in official pre-season testing without an e-Licence.

Ayhancan Güven faces continued uncertainty over his planned Formula E debut. The 2025 DTM champion moved to the World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the 2026 season in an attempt to earn additional Super Licence points towards his Formula E e-Licence. However, the Turkish driver and his Manthey Racing Porsche team failed to secure the necessary finishing position in the LMGT3 standings.

In response to an enquiry from e-Formula.news, the FIA has now confirmed that Güven has not reached the standard requirement of 20 Super Licence points. However, this does not necessarily mean the end of his Formula E ambitions. Under certain circumstances, the FIA's International Sporting Code provides alternative routes to obtaining an e-Licence.

FIA confirms formal application - decision still pending

The FIA has confirmed to e-Formula.news that it has already received a formal application concerning Güven's eligibility for the 2026/27 Formula E season. However, the 28-year-old has not yet been granted an e-Licence.

It therefore remains uncertain whether Güven will be permitted to race in the new Gen4 era despite falling short of the required Super Licence points. The FIA has explicitly confirmed that the regulations provide alternative ways of obtaining an e-Licence for drivers who do not meet the standard points threshold.

The governing body's response does not specify which route is being considered in Güven's case or when a decision can be expected.

What options do the FIA regulations provide?

The requirements for a Formula E e-Licence are set out in Appendix L of the FIA's International Sporting Code. As a general rule, drivers must have accumulated at least 20 Super Licence points. Alternatively, 15 points are sufficient if the driver has also completed at least 100 kilometres during official Formula E testing or free practice sessions in a car of the current generation.

Güven has already gained Formula E experience on several occasions. Among other appearances, he participated in the rookie test in Berlin in July 2025 and took part in 2026 in the rookie free practice session at the Miami E-Prix and later in the rookie test in Madrid. Nevertheless, he has not accumulated the necessary licence points.

The regulations also provide another route: At its discretion, the FIA may grant an e-Licence to drivers who have consistently demonstrated outstanding ability in single-seater formula cars or certain highly rated championships. In the latter case, the championship must award at least 20 Super Licence points to its title winner.

This presents another obstacle for Güven. The Turkish driver has spent almost his entire racing career competing in GT and sports car championships. Even his 2025 DTM title does not qualify as an achievement in a championship meeting this points threshold. Güven has never competed in any of the nine championships currently awarding at least 20 Super Licence points to their champions. It therefore remains unclear on what specific regulatory grounds the FIA could approve his application.

Gen4 pre-season testing possible without an e-Licence

At least there is no licensing obstacle preventing Güven from continuing his preparations for Formula E. In response to a specific enquiry, the FIA has explicitly confirmed that he may participate in official pre-season testing even without a full e-Licence. An International Grade B competition licence is sufficient for these tests, while a Formula E e-Licence is only required to compete in races.

This means Güven could take part in the official Gen4 pre-season testing at Spain's Circuito del Jarama despite the unresolved eligibility issue. The tests are scheduled to take place from 16 to 20 November. A decision on his e-Licence therefore does not necessarily have to be made before the start of the test week.

Formula E future with Fusion remains possible

Güven is considered a strong candidate for one of the two race seats at the new Fusion Formula E Team. The outfit is expected to enter the Gen4 era with two Porsche 975 RSE cars. According to FE Notebook, Güven already completed a Gen4 test for the new project at the Circuito de Andalucia in late October.

However, the Turkish driver's signing has not yet been officially confirmed. Whether he will actually be on the grid for the planned Formula E season opener in December therefore remains dependent on the FIA's decision.

What is clear from the governing body's exclusive response to e-Formula.news is that a formal application has already been received, but Güven has yet to be granted an e-Licence. His planned Formula E debut thus remains uncertain for the time being.