Vandoorne joins Vergne in DS Automobiles & PENSKE AUTOSPORT Formula E team
On the eve of the competitive debut of the third generation of car DS Automobiles begins a new chapter of its Formula E story by teaming up with one of the biggest names in motorsport: PENSKE AUTOSPORT.
To kick off this new partnership, DS PENSKE Formula E Team enters Season 9 with two of the highest-profile names in the championship. World champion Stoffel Vandoorne arrives at the team and will race alongside the only double world champion in FE history, Jean-Eric Vergne. ‘JEV’ remains at the French team for a fifth consecutive season, having amassed a number of victories and podiums since joining the squad.
As the first major manufacturer to enter Formula E in 2015, DS Automobiles now continues its adventure in the 100 per cent electric single seater championship, which has always been an important research and development incubator. The brand’s experience on urban street circuits around the world feeds the various teams working on development of current and future electrified vehicles for everyday use on the roads.
With PENSKE AUTOSPORT, Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Eric Vergne, DS Automobiles aims to conquer more world titles while continuing to ensure a transfer of technology towards its latest road cars, which will exclusively be driven by electric power from 2024.
Talking about the new partnership, Thomas Chevaucher, Director of DS Performance, said: “The start of a new association is always a big moment, and all of us at DS Performance are eager to begin this new adventure with PENSKE AUTOSPORT. And we are starting this partnership in the best possible way by having two world champions in the team! Thanks to Stoffel and Jean-Eric, we probably have one of the best line-ups and also the fastest pairing on the grid. With the powertrain and software expertise of DS Performance, we are now in an ideal position to continue our hunt for victories and titles.”
Jay Penske, Founder and owner of PENSKE AUTOSPORT added his comments saying: “We’re thrilled to partner with DS Automobiles, an iconic automotive brand who shares our ambitions in striving for excellence. This is a major milestone for our team, and something we have been looking forward to for years. Together we will push the technological boundaries in our hunt for performance and wins. With world champion driver Stoffel and two-time champion Jean-Eric, I am confident that we have one of the strongest line-ups on the grid!”
Speaking about joining the team, Stoffel Vandoorne, reigning Formula E world champion, said: “I’m really happy to be joining DS PENSKE from next season. It’s a big change for me after four years at Mercedes but I am very excited to start working with the team. DS has achieved excellent results in the past, winning the Drivers’ and Teams’ titles twice: it’s a good record and one that I hope I can add to before long! It’s also a great pleasure to be associated with the only double champion in Formula E. I believe that JEV and I will form one of the strongest line-ups for Season 9. We’re now in full preparation mode with the Gen3 car and I’m just starting this story with my new team, so these are two exciting challenges for the coming years! One thing is sure: I can’t wait to get back on track, fight to defend my world title, and pick up plenty of trophies!”
