DTM champion Ayhancan Guven prepares for an exciting new challenge. The Turkish racing star will participate in the Rookie Free Practice session in Miami. This event takes place on January 30, just one day before the Formula E Miami E-Prix kicks off.
Guven's First Taste of Electric Racing
Ayhancan Guven currently serves as a Porsche factory driver. He has never driven a Formula E car before. The Miami session will mark his debut behind the wheel of an electric single-seater race car.
Guven expressed clear enthusiasm about this opportunity. He stated, "I'm really happy about the chance to be back in the 99X Electric and to start the Miami weekend for Porsche with the Rookie Free Practice." He added, "It's always an eye-opening experience to work with such a professional group of people, and I'm really looking forward to it."
Porsche's Strategic Plan for Guven
Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, explained the company's broader vision. He noted that Ayhancan Guven could potentially break new ground for Porsche Motorsport.
"Until now, our junior development programme has not focused on single-seater racing," Laudenbach said. "From the 2026–2027 season, when we will field two additional cars in Formula E, this will also open up new opportunities in that respect."
Laudenbach acknowledged the significant hurdles Guven faces. The driver lacks previous single-seater experience. He also currently lacks the necessary FIA licence points for a future in Formula E.
However, Porsche has a concrete plan to support him. "In 2026, he will compete with Manthey in the FIA World Endurance Championship, where he could earn those points," Laudenbach revealed. "So, we have a plan and are supporting Ayhancan. But it is also clear that he must continue to prove himself within the Formula E project, with the next step coming in Miami."
Purpose of the Rookie Free Practice
The Rookie Free Practice session serves a specific purpose. It gives talented racers from other championships a valuable opportunity. They can try their hand at driving the Gen3 Evo car.
This initiative allows Formula E to scout and discover fresh racing talent. It provides a platform for drivers like Guven to showcase their skills in a new racing format.
Guven's Recent Achievements and the Miami Venue
Following his DTM championship victory, Ayhancan Guven shared his joy at securing a factory seat with Porsche. He posted an announcement on Instagram, writing, "Porsche Factory Driver. A dream come true. It's been six years since I joined the Porsche Motorsport family as a Junior Driver, and doing all the work to reach this position feels incredibly satisfying. I can't wait to see what the future holds!"
The Miami E-Prix itself is scheduled for January 31. This venue remains relatively new on the Formula E calendar. It returned last year after a ten-year absence.
Porsche's Pascal Wehrlein clinched victory at last year's Miami race. Lucas Di Grassi finished in second place. Antonio Felix da Costa completed the podium in third position.
