"He won't try that again with me": Cupra Kiro scores twice despite team collision in Jeddah

Dan Ticktum took five races to score his first points in Formula E Season 12. It finally happened at the second Jeddah race, with the Brit finishing fifth. Directly behind him, his team-mate Pepe Marti crossed the finish line in sixth place. The rookie would have liked to overtake Ticktum, but after a tough defence by Ticktum and a contact, the veteran prevailed.

After the first race in Jeddah ended without points and left Ticktum extremely frustrated, Saturday's race did not seem to get off to the best of starts either. Neither Ticktum nor Marti made it into the duels. Without the pit boost, however, the race became much more strategic and the starting position was less important. Cupra Kiro was able to convince with the strategy.

Ticktum: "Just a good day"

Many drivers made the strategic mistake of waiting too long before activating Attack Mode. Ticktum was able to make up the most places with the extra power in the middle of the race and was even second at one point. He himself described his race as nothing special when asked by e-formula.news: "There's not much we could have done. A few good overtaking manoeuvres, a good strategy, but nothing spectacular in the end. Just a good day."

With ten points, Ticktum is now 14th in the drivers' standings. With less bad luck, things could be completely different, he believes: "I'm not satisfied, it's just a few points and nothing special. With a better start to the season and more luck, I would be in the top three in the world championship right now."

Internal team crash risks important points

Ticktum's team-mate Marti has seven more points to his name. The rookie would also have liked to score the ten points for fifth place today and therefore risked a risky manoeuvre against Ticktum in the final phase. He braked aggressively next to his team-mate before turn nine and brought himself up to the same height. Ticktum closed the door and the two collided, with Marti even touching the wall at the exit of the chicane.

It was also a lot of luck that the cars were not damaged. Ticktum had clear words for the overtaking attempt after the race: "It was immature and typical rookie behaviour. He will not try that again with me after today." But the Briton also had words of praise: "At least he is fighting and trying. The way out of the Formula 1 career ladder is difficult - he really wants this and is showing it."

Marti apologises after radio outburst

After the overtaking attempt, Marti was told on the radio to hold his position. The young Spaniard's emotions then boiled over: "We need to have a serious talk. I don't accept that. I may be a rookie, but I'm not a retard and that is retard move. However you see it."

Afterwards, Marti publicly apologised on his social media accounts for the choice of words: "I deeply apologise for the language I used on the radio today. In the heat of the moment I chose my words terribly. I unfortunately cannot take back my words but I want to publicly express my deepest apologies for my behaviour on the radio."

I deeply apologise for the language I used on the radio today. In the heat of the moment I chose my words terribly. I unfortunately cannot take back my words but I want to publicly express my deepest apologies for my behaviour on the radio.

— PepeMartiS (@JMMarti_oficial) February 14, 2026

Whether these 19 points from Cupra Kiro - Marti received the bonus point for the fastest race lap in the top ten in addition to the eight points for sixth place - will provide the necessary momentum for Ticktum to regularly score points again will be seen at the next race of the season on 21 March in Madrid.