Cupra Kiro reprimands Ticktum again

Cupra Kiro team principal Russell O’Hagan has confirmed that the team has formally reprimanded driver Dan Ticktum for a second time this season following the Monaco E-Prix.

The Brit started from pole in both races in the principality, but failed to convert them into podiums and not for the first time this season, Ticktum’s frustrations were played out in notable radio outbursts, and he also reportedly left the circuit early following the first race of the weekend.

But Ticktum’s disappointment comes after a series of strong performances that haven’t yielded a comparable return points-wise. In a Q&A issued by the team, O’Hagan acknowledged that outside factors have impacted Ticktum’s season and led to that frustration, but also revealed that the team has taken disciplinary steps with Ticktum in the wake of the Monaco doubleheader..

“Dan has performed to a very high level again this season and deserves more than his current points tally reflects,” O’Hagan said. “If you look across the opening rounds, there have been several situations where circumstances outside of his control have prevented likely strong results, and based on his outright pace, he could have double to triple the points he currently does.

“Naturally, with that in mind, frustration can build over time, particularly for a driver like Dan, and in an environment as variable and competitive as Formula E.

“Having taken some time since Monaco to review the season to date, we have two clear takeaways: One is to really understand how we are approaching everything holistically with Dan. We are incredibly quick over one lap in all sessions, but falling short of our potential in the races, where the points are awarded. There is just no room for imperfections at the sharp end with the type of racing we have in Formula E, so we have to review and potentially slightly redefine our approach, targets and metrics.

“The second point is to ensure Dan’s frustrations and energy are harnessed constructively. We understand them, but as a team, we expect everyone to uphold the standards of professionalism, respect and teamwork that are fundamental to how we operate and best perform as an organisation.

“We have reviewed a number of topics with Dan openly since Monaco and are issuing a second formal reprimand of the season,” O’Hagan added – Ticktum’s first coming after an explosive rant following him being taken out of the Mexico City E-Prix. “We will be working together to adopt an improved approach, with more of what we need from him.”

Ticktum finished 12th in the first race of the Monaco weekend after finishing third on the road, only to be handed a drive-through penalty, which was converted to a 33-second penalty post-race, for causing a collision with Jaguar TCS Racing’s Antonio Felix da Costa. Prior to that, the decision to wait to do the Pit Boost fast charging pit stop left him vulnerable to eventual winner Nyck de Vries.

He finished 14th in the second race of the weekend after fading from a strong but energy intensive run up front early on, then receiving another penalty, this time for over speeding during a full course yellow.

Some of Ticktum’s frustrations this season – including those in Monaco – have centered around strategy from the team. O’Hagan acknowledged that the team, too, has to play its part in moving both it and Ticktum forwards.

“What is equally important to say is that we also recognize our responsibility as a team to give Dan the platform and support he needs to deliver at his best, because there have been a number of occasions this season where we should have done better for him,” he said. “He is a hugely talented driver and a very important part of the team. We trust that the process we are now in will deliver improvements from him on and off track, and we can have a very strong second half of the season together.”

Ticktum's penalty in the first race in Monaco did, however, enable teammate Pepe Marti to score his first Formula E podium. O'Hagan has been impressed with how the rookie driver has taken to the all-electric series. Marti has scored points in six of the 10 rounds so far this season to sit 11th in the standings – easily eclipsing his predecessor David Beckmann, who only took one point, in the final race of the campaign, last season.

“What has impressed us the most is just how quickly Pepe has adapted,” O’Hagan said. “Since the beginning of the season, he’s consistently put himself in contention for points, and we felt it was only a matter of time before that approach netted him a podium.

“Ultimately, it came following Dan’s penalty, which made it bittersweet, but equally, Pepe had driven from 15th to fourth on the road. That kind of drive, in Monaco of all places, deserves recognition.

“I am both really pleased for him and incredibly proud of the team’s role in getting him to where he is already. They have delivered some great teachings, excellent strategy, race management, processes, and decisions.

“It’s been a pleasure to watch, but we have a lot more work ahead of us still, and we will keep raising the bar of how we define success for Pepe’s first season.”