DS Automobiles once again put on a thrilling display at the second race of the Monaco E-Prix. Jean-Éric Vergne led the race for over half of the event, delivering an impressive performance, while Maximilian Günther also contributed valuable points for the team.

A Strong Start for DS Automobiles

For DS PENSKE, the primary goal heading into this Monaco race was to maximize their qualifying positions, ensuring they had the best possible starting positions for the race. Both Vergne and Günther secured positions on the second row of the grid, a great achievement that set them up for a promising start. The drivers showcased the efficiency of their cars, particularly in the wet conditions, thanks to a well-modified set-up.

As the race unfolded, the DS E-TENSE FE25 cars showed their true potential. Vergne was in second place just before the first ‘Attack Mode’, and this strategic move allowed him to take the lead, thrilling the Monaco crowd. Günther, positioned in third place at this point, was also engaged in an intense battle with his competitors, leaving no room for relaxation.

Race Drama and Strategic Pit Stops

Vergne built a lead of more than three seconds, but the deployment of the safety car turned the tide. The restart triggered a strategic battle as the teams aimed to maximize their use of the second ‘Attack Mode’. Vergne remained firmly in the top 3 for the majority of the race, until the track started drying, which hampered his car’s performance. Vergne slipped back to 5th, and ultimately finished the race in 6th place.

Maximilian Günther also fought hard throughout the race, making the most of the dry conditions. In the end, Günther crossed the finish line in 8th place, securing points for the team.

A Positive Outcome Despite Challenges

Despite the challenges faced during the race, DS Automobiles delivered a strong performance, securing valuable points with both drivers. This result added to the team’s ongoing success in the Formula E championship. The next race will take place in Tokyo in two weeks, where DS Automobiles will continue their quest for points.

Eugenio Franzetti, Director of DS Performance, reflected on the team’s performance:
“The race today was much better for us than yesterday. Free practice and qualifying went well, which allowed us to start in 3rd and 4th places on the grid. The first part of the race was very good, as we managed to avoid contact. Jean-Éric took the lead, and we held that position for a long time until the safety car cost us the 3-second advantage we had built up. Once the track started to dry, we faced more difficulties. Jean-Éric finished 6th, and Maximilian 8th, which means valuable points in both championships.”

Jean-Éric Vergne’s Thoughts on the Race

Jean-Éric Vergne, a two-time Formula E champion (2018 and 2019), commented:
“It was a very good first part of the race. I had a solid start, and when the track was wet, we were very strong. Unfortunately, we were unlucky with the safety car, especially as during the weekend, the Full Course Yellow was used more often. Once the track dried, we were less competitive, as the car was set up for a wet race. This was the best we could hope for under the circumstances.”

Maximilian Günther’s Race Analysis

Maximilian Günther shared his experience:
“The conditions were really tricky, but we handled qualifying well with the 3rd and 4th best times. Jean-Éric had a better start than I did, which cost me some positions. At the beginning of the race, it was really complicated because I had no grip and was battling massive oversteer. This made it difficult to progress up the order. I held 4th or 5th place for most of the race, but when the track started to dry, things became more difficult, and we had to focus on limiting the damage. We did manage to bring both cars into the points, which is a positive outcome. The key takeaway is that we managed to turn things around after Saturday’s disappointing performance.”

Key Stats from DS Automobiles in Formula E:

• 128 Races
• 4 Championship Titles
• 17 Wins
• 52 Podiums
• 25 Pole Positions

Looking Ahead: Tokyo

The next race for DS Automobiles will be in Tokyo, Japan, in two weeks. The team will continue to push for more points in what promises to be an exciting and challenging event. With the Monaco race now behind them, DS Automobiles remains determined to keep fighting at the front of the Formula E grid, building on their strong results and looking forward to the future challenges of the season.