Kiro COO Russell O'Hagan analyses 11th Formula E season: "We need to become giant killers"

Moving times for Cupra Kiro: After a change of ownership and the switch to Porsche powertrains, success has come to the Formula E team that has been at the bottom of the table in recent years. COO Russell O'Hagan reviews the change in the team and talks about his goals with Dan Ticktum and David Beckmann in the last four races of the season.

Cupra Kiro has already undergone a number of changes in the past. Last season, the team raced under the name ERT, and for several years before that as Nio 333. Probably the biggest change in recent years came before the start of the current season with the takeover of the US-based Forrest Read Company and the decision to switch from its own powertrain to Porsche motors.

It was not a "plug-and-play" solution though: "In Formula E, you need a good twelve months to fully understand the car", explains O'Hagan. "We only had eight weeks before we hit the track for the start of the season. That is why we had to adapt our approach carefully and strategically."

"Basically, we flew to the start of the season while we were still setting up our car. Our initial focus was on how quickly we could learn and improve step by step. That was a challenging process, but one that the team managed very well," he adds.

"Found our rhythm"

There seems to be a noticeable improvement on Dan Dictum's side in particular since the weekend in Jeddah. O'Hagan also recognises this: "We have found our rhythm on both the technical and operational side. We are now in a position where we can fight. The Formula E field is very competitive. It is therefore difficult to achieve success - but that is no excuse."

When asked how Ticktum and David Beckmann get on with each other, O'Hagan was positive: "Dan and David work very well together. We have the youngest driver pairing in the field. Nevertheless, we have a mature dynamic that is constantly evolving."

"Dan has already completed more than 50 races in Formula E. And with David's hunger, they are both pushing themselves further. We are now in the final part of the season. So there is no margin for error. Both drivers know what is expected of them," continued O'Hagan.

"Reaching 100 points would be a big step"

O'Hagan goes on to talk about the goals the team has set itself for the current season: "Season 11 is a milestone for our team. We have welcomed new owners in Forrest Read Company, a new title sponsor in Cupra and a technical partnership with Porsche. Our owners have high expectations, which we obviously have to fulfil. Momentum can play a big role in terms of performance."

"Our goal is to reach 100 points in the teams' championship. That would be a big step for us. Mathematically, that means consistently finishing in the top 5 - in addition to podium finishes. In order to get there, we need to become giant killers. There is no other way. We're all working towards that and are prepared to do whatever it takes." Kiro no longer has to hide. Ticktum scored a first good success with 3rd place in the second race of the "double-header" in Tokyo. In Jakarta, the Brit even surprised everyone with his first victory.

With the form that Ticktum in particular is currently in, the goal of 100 points for the current season does not seem unrealistic. Kiro is currently in 9th place in the teams' standings with 80 points already collected. The tight battle for points is intensifying in the final phase of the season. There are only four races left, which are divided into two "double-headers". The next event awaits us next weekend in Berlin.