DS Performance to collaborate with MerConcept

• The competition arm of DS Automobiles, which has been competing in Formula E since 2015, is launching a collaboration with MerConcept founded in Brittany by François Gabart  

• MerConcept, specialised in offshore yacht racing, designs and produces boats equipped with ultra-modern technology 

• DS Performance and MerConcept have a shared mission to reach the peaks of sporting performance, with a desire to highlight technical knowhow 

DS Performance and MerConcept – who take part respectively in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the world’s most prestigious yacht races (Vendée Globe, Transat Café L’Or, Route du Rhum) – are embarking on a new, mutually beneficial collaboration. 

Backed by engineers passionate about technology and performance, this collaboration focuses on shared technical solutions and the pursuit of knowledge, as well as the optimisation of working practices.  

For the engineers working in the design studios and spearheading development within the two companies, the main focus will be composites expertise, the design of mechanical components, data processing, digital simulation and the software environment. 

Both seeking the ultimate in performance when it comes to their respective global disciplines, the competition department of DS Automobiles and the yacht racing team founded by French skipper François Gabart share the goal of mutually enhancing their research and development work. 

Whether on the Formula E circuits with DS Performance, or the high seas with MerConcept, the creation of new synergies is vital to foster innovation, win races and imagine the mobility of the future. 

Simon Merchet, Stellantis Motorsport Development Director:  

“The size of the boats created by MerConcept is obviously very different to our electric single-seaters, and we don’t use the same methods to validate our parts, but there are still many similarities between these two worlds. The approach from the design studio, materials, simulations, and testing are both elements that we have in common, while the relentless pursuit of ultimate performance lies at the heart of both challenges!” 

Antoine Gautier, Trimaran SVR-Lazartigue Team Manager: 

“The machines designed by DS Performance drive, while ours fly above the sea, but we really share many common challenges. For both of us, there is the design phase, followed by development, and then implementation…. with a skipper in our case and a driver in theirs. It’s clear that we can learn a number of things from their expertise in Formula E, and vice versa!” 

Key figures since DS Automobiles entered Formula E: 

• 137 races 

• 4 championship titles 

• 18 victories 

• 55 podiums 

• 26 pole positions 

PRESS CONTACTS  

Krystyna Perry – Head of PR DS Automobiles UK krystyna.perry@stellantis.com 07710 062 783  

Manesh Taank – PR Manager DS Automobiles UK manesh.taank@stellantis.com 07841 569 038  

ABOUT DS AUTOMOBILES 

Founded in Paris in 2014, DS Automobiles is a premium brand aiming to embody the French art of travel. Thanks to an exceptional heritage, exemplified by the 1955 DS and enriched by the wealth of French culture, DS Automobiles offers a global and diverse range with DS 3, N° 4, DS 7 and N°8.  

Designed for a clientele seeking something different, who want to travel the world and enjoy every moment, DS creations stand out through their charismatic style, interior refinement, sophisticated technology and first-class comfort. Combined with a suite of bespoke services, they offer a unique brand experience before, during and after each journey.  

With numerous records since its entry into Formula E in 2015, including two double Teams’ and Drivers’ titles, DS Automobiles is at the forefront of electrification and sells each of its models in an electrified version. The Brand offers 100% electric drivetrains as well as self-charging and plug-in hybrids with up to 360hp and 4-wheel drive. In 2025, DS Automobiles is accelerating its transition to electric by launching N°4 with 279 miles of range and N°8, the new DS flagship providing up to 466 miles of range. 

With a presence in 40 countries, the DS brand has an exclusive distribution network that includes nearly 450 DS STORES around the world.  

Follow news from DS on www.DSautomobiles.co.uk    @DS_UK 

ABOUT PENSKE AUTOSPORT 

PENSKE AUTOSPORT is an American racing team founded in 2007 by Jay Penske. The team is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the largest single metropolitan EV market in the world. 

After many successful years competing in IndyCar (2007-2014), the team embraced the shift to electric mobility and became one of the founding teams of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.  

The team motto is the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum” – meaning “out of many, there is one.