Race 2 of the Jeddah E-Prix weekend was significant for the CUPRA KIRO Formula E team. While the pace looked solid in Free Practice, Qualifying had Dan Ticktum narrowly miss out on the duels. Ticktum lined up ninth on the grid for Race 2 at the Jeddah E-Prix. Teammate Pepe Martí also had a disappointing Qualifying, placing 14th on the grid.
The Brit had a strong launch off the line as he climbed up to sixth place during the first lap. Ticktum fought the field for most of the Jeddah E-Prix. However, the most interesting bit happened when teammate Martí made a bold move on the last lap. The penultimate lap saw the two CUPRA cars almost collide as Martí attempted to overtake Ticktum for fifth place.
Reflecting on his battle with the rookie, Ticktum said:
“I’ve seen the onboard from his perspective and mine is also quite useful because I’m already sort of half defending before he even thinks about it. But yes, if the line of opportunistic is there, it was a little bit beyond it. I’ve seen worse, but it wasn’t great, last lap on the team mate. We’ve had a difficult start, the team, this year.
“We could have quite easily have both not finished that race. But there was no way on God’s earth would I let him pass me. It’s just lucky that it didn’t end badly. He admitted it, that it was a bit opportunistic, a bit over the line, and yes, I had a little word with him. That’s it, at least he tries though. It’s good to have a fighter than someone that just sits back but I think in scenarios like that, it was a bit immature.”
A big race for CUPRA KIRO in Madrid
As the unforgiving Jeddah track rarely leaves room for error, the CURPA drivers were fortunate with the outcome of their battle. Both drivers left the battle with minimal damage and achieved their best results of the season. The first double-points finish of Season 12 gives the team encouragement for the next round in Madrid.
When asked about the next race weekend, Ticktum was positive about CUPRA’s chances, saying:
“I think our one lap pace will be strong there, another high grip track. The races, we might struggle a bit more with tyre temps. Once the tyres get hot, we seem to struggle in our car. I know why, but I can’t really explain too much. It is sort of what it is, but I think the pace would be good. I’d like to try and work on getting the car a little bit more consistent to drive for qualifying and hopefully have some good performances in qualifying. A big race for CUPRA and the team, and Pepe but it’ll be a good one. I’m looking forward to driving the track.”
Formula E returns on March 21st at the Circuito Permanente Del Jarama in Madrid.
