CUPRA KIRO heads to Sanya as Formula E returns to China

CUPRA KIRO looks ahead to the 2026 Sanya E-Prix as the FIA Formula E World Championship returns to Hainan Island for the first time since 2019

This weekend, CUPRA KIRO travels to China for the 2026 Sanya E-Prix as the FIA Formula E World Championship returns to the coastal city, located on Hainan Island, for the first time since Season 5.

Alongside Shanghai and Tokyo, the Sanya E-Prix represents the first of a critical five-race run which comprises the Asian leg of the 2025/26 season and after a seven-year absence from the calendar, the return to Sanya will see drivers and teams alike tackle a fresh challenge.

Although the circuit retains much of its original character, modifications to the layout mean that adaptability is more important than experience but with tropical heat and high humidity, Sanya is set to be one of the most demanding races of the season.

CUPRA KIRO arrives in Sanya after securing consecutive pole positions and claiming its first podium of the campaign in Monaco, and with the season approaching its business end, drivers Dan Ticktum and Pepe Martí are determined to maintain their upward trajectory.

Get Up To Speed

Last Time Out

CUPRA KIRO secures its first podium of the 2025/26 season, with Pepe Martí finishing third at the 2026 Monaco E-Prix.

Hear From Russell

Catch up with CUPRA KIRO’s Team Principal, Russell O’Hagan, as the 2025/26 season reaches its mid-way point.

Show Your Support

Represent CUPRA KIRO for the 2026 Sanya E-Prix by shopping our official merchandise range, in partnership with Reflo.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

Prioritise your wellbeing this summer by discovering CUPRA KIRO’s official hydration strategy, in collaboration with AQUAME.

Hear From The Team

Dan Ticktum, Driver, CUPRA KIRO
“Sanya is new track for me. The circuit has a lot of tight corners and bumps and characteristically, I think it could suit us quite well. After Monaco we identified a few areas where can improve over long-distance running in hot conditions, and now that we’ve looked into it, hopefully we’ll be able to improve our race pace.”

Pepe Martí, Driver, CUPRA KIRO
“I’m very excited to be racing in Sanya this weekend. It’s the first time I’ll be racing in China, and overall, the track looks very interesting. After the podium in Monaco, I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do in Sanya and what we can achieve in terms of results!”

Russell O’Hagan, Team Principal, CUPRA KIRO
“We’re looking forward to getting the Asian leg underway and commencing what will be a very important phase of the year. With just four race weekends remaining, every point and every opportunity is becoming increasingly valuable, so our focus is on making sure that we maximise what’s ahead. Monaco was a very significant weekend for us as a team, and taking consecutive pole positions and securing our first podium of the season was a just reward for a lot of hard work that’s been going on behind the scenes. Despite that, we’re not at all interested in standing still. The challenge is now to carry that momentum forward so we can consistently convert our pace into results. Sanya is the start of an intense run of races, with Shanghai and Tokyo following shortly afterwards, so a strong performance this weekend could really set the tone for the remainder of the campaign. The competition will be incredibly tight as always, but we’re confident in our potential and we’re excited about what lies ahead.”