DS Automobiles and its partner TECHEETAH have presented the latest DS E-TENSE FE21 design that will contest Season 8 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
Two-time champion Jean-Eric Vergne (Seasons 4/5) and Season 6 champion António Félix da Costa stay on as DS TECHEETAH factory drivers
The launch took place ahead of the official pre-season tests that will be held in Valencia from 29 November to 2 December
The famous DS E-TENSE FE21 run by the DS TECHEETAH team on the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship revealed its latest design for Season 8 on Thursday 25 November, during a shakedown on the Alès circuit in France.
The new black and gold livery, penned by the DS Automobiles DS DESIGN STUDIO PARIS, was presented by Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne – the winner of two drivers’ titles in 2018 and 2019 – as well as by 2020 champion António Félix da Costa from Portugal, who both stay on as official factory drivers.
Following two double titles (for drivers and teams) in the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 ABB FIA Formula E seasons, DS Automobiles and TECHEETAH are delighted to continue their partnership in Season 8 with a new structure. Mark Preston becomes Managing Director of TECHEETAH while Thomas Chevaucher, Director of DS Performance, takes on the role of Team Principal.
Thomas Chevaucher, DS Performance Director and DS TECHEETAH Team Principal:
“This new organisation doesn’t in any way affect our principal goal of winning more titles. Thanks to this fresh structure, we’ll be more focussed than ever on competition, which is what really counts for DS TECHEETAH and DS Automobiles!”
Mark Preston, TECHEETAH CEO:
“Motorsport is about more than just the technical aspects. In order to create a lasting future for TECHEETAH, I believe that it’s the right moment for me to concentrate my efforts on the future growth of the team and that of Formula E.”
Béatrice Foucher, DS Automobiles CEO:
“The involvement of DS Automobiles in Formula E is a major part of our electrification strategy, which will lead us to produce only 100 per cent electric vehicles from 2024. The qualities of the men and women at DS Performance have been demonstrated by the conquest of two double titles in two consecutive years, as well as by a record of nine wins with our second-generation cars, which no other constructor has managed. We use Formula E as a permanent laboratory to bring expertise and know-how to our E-TENSE models for the road, and we want to continue being part of the development of this 100 per cent electric championship to reinforce the reputation of DS Automobiles on every continent.”
António Félix da Costa, Season 6 Formula E champion:
“This is always a really exciting time of year! We’ve worked very hard with all the engineers, mechanics and entire team to give ourselves the best chance of winning races and claiming more titles! The new livery looks fantastic and I can’t wait to get back to racing with this team that I’ve been with for three years now and feels like a family to me!”
Jean-Éric Vergne, Seasons 4&5 Formula E champion:
“I’m absolutely delighted to be starting another season with the team. We’ve been doing a lot of work for several months and everyone is extremely motivated by the goal of taking up where we left off as leaders next year. I’m looking forward to some great competition, and we’ll be doing everything to ensure that this becomes our best season in Formula E!”
Following the team launch, the DS TECHEETAH squad will head to the official pre-season tests in Valencia (Spain) from 29 November to 2 December, 2021. The cars will then be sent to Diriyah (Saudi Arabia) for the first race of Season 8, which will take place on 28 January, 2022.
Since starting Formula E in Season 2, DS Automobiles has racked up:
73 races
4 titles
14 wins
37 podiums
17 pole positions
12 fastest laps
57 superpoles
