Formula E: Paffett has been appointed racing director of Cupra Kiro

      The racing press has been writing about Gary Paffett for more than a quarter of a century, and now the 44-year-old Briton has once again made headlines: he has been appointed racing director of Cupra Kiro.

      The American Formula E team based in the UK did not particularly shine last season, but in any case attracted attention in the second half of the championship. For the first time in its history its driver Dan Ticktum reached the podium, secured a pole position once and claimed one victory.

      The experience of a professional like Paffett will undoubtedly be valuable to the team. In his time Gary twice became DTM champion, worked for many years as a McLaren test driver, and made his Formula E debut in 2018. A year later he retired from racing, but became sporting and technical adviser to the factory Mercedes‑EQ team, and then moved into the role of its team manager.

      With his active involvement the team won both titles in the world championship for electric car racing, and when it changed ownership and the name became McLaren Formula E Team, he became its sporting director.

      Now, when McLaren wound down its Formula E programme, Paffett did not remain out of work, signing a contract with Cupra Kiro.

      Gary Paffett: “I’m incredibly pleased to join Cupra Kiro at a pivotal moment in its history. When the team offered me this opportunity it was immediately clear that it has ambitious plans for the future.

      Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate, I’ve enjoyed success, and I know this rapidly developing championship is fiercely competitive and places serious demands on everyone. That is why it is so important for a Formula E team to build the right culture, establish solid processes and pay attention to every detail.

      I look forward to getting to work with the whole team and its drivers to help them reach the next level.”