The alliance between TECHEETAH and DS Automobiles had its launch today. DS TECHEETAH opened its new factory in Versailles, France. The team presented its first official viewing of the DS E-TENSE FE19. It also announced the DS TECHEETAH driver line-up and the new management team for the 2018/2019 season at their new headquarter.
“It is with great pleasure that we have now officially begun our partnership with DS and embarked on our first year as DS TECHEETAH. We’re also delighted to announce that reigning World Champion, Jean-Éric Vergne and his outstanding team-mate from Season Four, André Lotterer will both continue with the team this season. With Jean-Éric and André as our Drivers and James Rossiter and Zhou Guanyu as our Development Drivers this year, we believe that we have an incredibly strong driver line-up and we are incredibly excited to go racing”, said DS TECHEETAH Team Principal, Mark Preston.
Introducing our contender for season 5 of @FIAFormulaE the #DSETENSEFE19. pic.twitter.com/UE60vFevb6
— DS TECHEETAH (@DSTECHEETAH) October 1, 2018
“We’ve been busy behind the scenes developing the DS E-TENSE FE19. It’s great to have the full force of TECHEETAH on board. So we can continue to optimise our package for the 2018/2019 season and beyond. In addition to a strong driver line-up, we’ve also got an incredibly talented engineering and technical pool at hand. [That is] a combination of the best of both sides to create a fantastic DS TECHEETAH technical team, said DS Performance Director, Xavier Mestelan Pinon.
The DS E-TENSE FE19 has almost twice the energy and double the range of its predecessor
This season will mark the first season in Formula E’s history where the cars will be able to run a full race distance without a mandatory car swap, showcasing the advanced and rapid technology development the series has to offer. Also known as the ‘Gen2’ car, the current chassis and spec will be used for three seasons, with software and powertrain technology updated each season.
“I’m incredibly happy to continue another year with the team. After winning the 2017/2018 Driver’s Title and now with the addition of DS this season, we are even stronger. And it should be a great year. It is a very exciting time for the championship with the Gen2 car entering the all-electric street racing championship. We can expect is a new level of competition and excitement,” said DS TECHEETAH Driver, Jean-Éric Vergne.
Lotterer: “The DS E-TENSE FE19 doesn’t just look fantastic, it’s also brilliant to drive”
“I got the taste for success in Formula E last season and I’m keen for more this year. We have a really strong team and I feel we can achieve great things together. With my previous experience, I know how important it is to have everyone under the same roof when you work towards the same goal. So it’s a great asset for us coming into the season ahead,” said DS TECHEETAH Driver, André Lotterer.
DS TECHEETAH will be debuting the DS E-TENSE FE19 on track for the first time at the official Formula E test. It will take place in Valencia on the 16 – 19 October.
Season 5 of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship kicks off in Saudi Arabia on the 15 December.
Ladies and gentlemen, these two gentlemen are no stranger neither to #FormulaE nor the team. It’s the best driver combinaison on the grid and it’s our Season 5 drivers. @Andre_Lotterer and the reigning Formula E World Champion, @jeanericvergne! pic.twitter.com/ZdLlCJFKD6
— DS Performance (@DS_Performance) October 1, 2018
