Reigning ABB FIA Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne has extended his current deal with DS Techeetah ahead of the start of the all-electric single seater series' fifth season of competition.
Vergne, 28, joined Techeetah at the start of the 2016/17 season after spending two years driving for Andretti Autosport and DS Virgin Racing and has so far enjoyed success with the Oxford-based squad, taking a total of five wins, six further podiums and winning the Season Four Drivers' Championship.
“First of all, I’d like to say a huge thanks to DS Techeetah for always having believed in me and for keeping their faith," said Vergne.
"DS Techeetah has been my home and my family for the last couple of seasons so it’s fantastic to be able to continue racing together with them. We achieved something incredible last season winning the Drivers’ title, and everyone is hungry for more.
"There are so many variables in racing so having the contract extended now is a great for both me and the team as we can now look at a long-term strategy together.
"We are aiming for more success together as a team and this is just the beginning. But first, we have the Ad Diriyah E-Prix tomorrow and it’s going to be very exciting to see where we end up, the track looks great and I love driving the DS E-TENSE FE19 so let’s go racing!”
For Formula E's next generation of racing, Techeetah is no longer an independent outfit, partnering with the Citroen-affiliated DS Automobiles who will supply the marque with powertrains for the foreseeable future.
“We are delighted to announce that we have agreed a new long-term contract with Jean-Éric," continued DS Techeetah President, Edmund Chu.
"He has played a crucial part in our success to date with the Drivers’ Championship title being a special moment for all of us.
"Jean-Éric has been with us since season three and he’s been an important pillar in building the team together with the management and we’re very excited about being able to announce our continued partnership.
"Having two wold-class drivers on board is essential for our continued goal of working toward further championship wins,” he added.
For Season Five, Vergne will continue to work alongside three-time Le Mans winner Andre Lotterer in the cockpit, with the team's driver line-up arguably being one of the strongest on the current gird in the eyes of DS Performance Director, Xavier Mestelan Pinon, with the services of the pair powering the team to the runner-up spot in the Season Four Teams' Standings.
“This long-term commitment between DS Techeetah and Jean-Éric Vergne, the reigning Formula E champion, is a great satisfaction for the entire DS Automobiles team," he said.
"Beyond his speed and his experience in the series, Jean-Éric is a magnificent ambassador for the brand. Together with André Lotterer, we definitely have one of the best driver line ups on the grid to bring the DS E-TENSE FE19 to the top.
"It is extremely motivating and it helps to accelerate the development of tomorrow's DS electric technologies.”
Season Five of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship will commence on December 15 with the inaugural Ad Diriyah E-Prix.
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