Ds Joins Virgin Racing Formula E Team

The Virgin Racing Formula E team and the DS brand have announced a new partnership that will see the creation of the DS Virgin Racing team ahead of the 2015/16 FIA Formula E season.

With constructors able to develop their own powertrains in season two of the FIA Formula E season, the partnership will see the French luxury automobile brand, owned by Citroen, work with Virgin Racing Engineering to develop the race car.

Virgin Racing team principal, Alex Tai said: “Our collaboration with the DS brand is not only a partnership between two amazing brands, but is a great opportunity to showcase our intent of winning FIA Formula E championships.

“In addition, it highlights our ambitions to be at the forefront of pioneering new technology in Formula E to aid the technology transition to road cars.”

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, added: “I’m absolutely delighted that Virgin Racing has found a partner of the calibre of the DS brand. 

“In season one, Formula E has delivered on its vision of creating exciting, fan-friendly racing spectacles where almost any team can win; now I look forward to building on this in season two and with our new partner DS, aiming to compete to win multiple Championships. 

“I’m thrilled that Virgin Racing is playing a leading role in another of Formula E’s visions, that of attracting the large automotive original equipment manufacturers into the sport in order that the technology that is developed flows down into the cars that we can all drive. 

“I have no doubt the partnership will prove a great success, not only on track but also in providing a catalyst to develop the electric vehicles of the future.”

Yves Bonnefont, CEO, DS brand, commented: “The engagement of the DS brand in Formula E with our partner Virgin Racing is fully consistent with the brand’s positioning. We fully share the values of Formula E: avant-garde technology and proximity to the public.

“The experiences that we will accumulate thanks to the races are key factors for us in the improvement of our technology directly serving our customers.”   

The inaugural season of FIA Formula E finished on 28^th June in Battersea Park, with Virgin Racing coming fifth in the constructors’ championship.