ANOTHER PODIUM FOR JEAN-ÉRIC VERGNE AND DS AUTOMOBILES IN PORTLAND!

• After a great fightback, Jean-Éric Vergne finished on the third step of the podium in the first of  two races scheduled at Portland (USA)

• Stoffel Vandoorne also scored some precious points by finishing ninth

• DS Automobiles and PENSKE AUTOSPORT climb to third in the teams’ classification

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship paddock arrived in Portland (USA) this weekend for the 13th and 14th rounds of Season 10. For the DS PENSKE drivers, the objective in the first of the two American races was to make progress in the overall rankings after a tricky qualifying.

Driving the DS E-TENSE FE23, Jean-Éric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne were on top form. Having started 14th on the grid, Vergne made a superb comeback in the second half of the race. After leading the way at the start, JEV finally finished an excellent third, landing the 36th podium of his career and the 51st for DS Automobiles. Stoffel also moved up the order, going from 16th to ninth places.

By scoring 17 points, the performance of the DS PENSKE drivers allowed the Franco-American team to climb to third place in the teams’ championship. An excellent job with just three rounds now remaining!

As for the drivers’ rankings, JEV stays sixth, but is just 24 points off the top three. The 2018 and 2019 World Champion therefore keeps all his chances of getting on the final podium at the end of the season.

The competition continues on Sunday in Portland, with the 14th of the 16 races of the season.

Eugenio Franzetti, DS Performance director :

“It was an incredible and emotional day, which started with some difficulties and then turned out to be particularly positive. Qualifying was difficult as both drivers encountered obstacles during their best laps. Despite this, we knew we were fast on this track and that anything was possible – which turned out to be the case. Starting from 14th place, JEV brought his DS E-TENSE FE 23 to third place at the finish thanks to extraordinary driving and an intelligent strategy. This brilliant third place really feels like a victory in the overall scheme of things! Stoffel also had a good race. After starting 16^th on the grid, the Belgian finished ninth. Our drivers have secured excellent points in both championships. We are now focused on tomorrow's race which will be crucial for the championship.”

Jean-Éric Vergne, 2018 and 2019  Formula E champion:

“I am really very happy with the outcome of this race. When we look back at the position from which we started, we can say that we made a very good comeback. I think we did exactly the right thing. Thanks to our third position, we scored important points, which allows the team to return to third place in the teams championship. We will continue to give everything – starting from tomorrow.”

Stoffel Vandoorne, 2022 Formula E champion:

“After a difficult qualifying that did not represent our true potential, we reacted well in the race. To get back up, we had to be efficient, particularly in terms of strategy, by taking the 'Attack Modes' at the right time. Although I think we could have had a better result today, we have to remember that we scored some great points for the championship. Now we focus on tomorrow!”

Key figures since DS Automobiles entered Formula E:

• 118 races
• 4 championship titles
• 16 victories
• 51 podiums
• 23 pole positions

PRESS CONTACTS

DS Performance : Nathalie Dumas  +33 (0) 6 60 26 10 37 –nathalie.dumas@external.stellantis.com

DS Automobiles : Benjamin Maigre  + 33 (0) 6 75 58 80 41 – benjamin.maigre@dsautomobiles.com