DS Automobiles once again showcased their exceptional performance at the second round of the Monaco E-Prix, with Jean-Éric Vergne leading for more than half of the race. Maximilian Günther also contributed to the team’s efforts, finishing in the points, as both drivers fought hard on the iconic streets of Monaco.
A Strong Start for DS PENSKE
The main objective for DS PENSKE heading into the Monaco race was to make the most of the qualifying session to secure the best starting positions possible. Vergne and Günther successfully achieved this goal, securing places on the second row of the grid. Their strategy worked well in the wet conditions, with both drivers demonstrating the strength and adaptability of their cars, especially with a modified setup.
As the race began, the DS E-TENSE FE25 cars quickly proved their worth. Vergne, having secured second place before the first ‘Attack Mode’, made a brilliant move to take the lead, captivating the Monaco crowd. Günther, who had started in third, found himself embroiled in an intense battle with his competitors, leaving little room for relaxation.
Drama on Track and Strategic Pit Stops
Vergne gained a lead of more than three seconds, but the arrival of the safety car disrupted the flow of the race. With the restart, both drivers engaged in a tactical battle, hoping to make the most of the second ‘Attack Mode’. Vergne fought hard to maintain a position in the top 3, but as the track began to dry, his performance faltered. Despite the challenging conditions, he ended the race in 6th place.
Maximilian Günther faced similar challenges but managed to secure valuable points by finishing in 8th place. Both drivers had to adapt quickly as the dry conditions created difficulties, but they successfully brought both cars into the points.
A Positive Outcome Despite the Challenges
Despite facing difficult conditions, DS Automobiles demonstrated their resilience and secured valuable points. The Monaco race marked a positive step forward for the team, and they now look ahead to the upcoming race in Tokyo, Japan, where they will continue to fight for more points.
Eugenio Franzetti, Director of DS Performance, praised the team’s performance:
“Today’s race was much better for us compared to yesterday. The free practices and qualifying went well, allowing us to start from 3rd and 4th positions. The first part of the race was very good, as we avoided any major incidents. Jean-Éric took the lead, and we were able to hold that position for a long time until the safety car intervened, costing us the 3-second advantage we had. Once the track dried, we faced some difficulties, but we managed to bring both cars home with points.”
Jean-Éric Vergne Reflects on the Race
Jean-Éric Vergne, Formula E champion in 2018 and 2019, shared his thoughts on the race:
“It was a very strong start to the race. I had a solid launch, and in the wet conditions, we were very competitive. Unfortunately, we were unlucky with the safety car, especially since it was the Full Course Yellow that was used throughout the weekend. As the track dried, we struggled, as the car setup was tailored for a wet race. Given the circumstances, this was the best we could hope for.”
Maximilian Günther’s Thoughts on the Conditions
Maximilian Günther commented on the difficult race conditions:
“The conditions were very tricky, but we handled the qualifying session well, securing 3rd and 4th place. Jean-Éric had a better start than me, which cost me some positions. At the start of the race, I had no grip and was battling significant oversteer. This made it difficult for me to move up the order. I remained in 4th or 5th position for most of the race, but when the track started to dry, it became more challenging. We focused on minimizing the damage, and we managed to bring both cars into the points. The important thing was to turn things around after the tough day on Saturday.”
Key Achievements for DS Automobiles in Formula E:
- 128 Races
- 4 Championship Titles
- 17 Wins
- 52 Podiums
- 25 Pole Positions
Looking Ahead to Tokyo
With the Monaco race behind them, DS Automobiles is now looking ahead to the upcoming race in Tokyo, Japan, in two weeks. The team is focused on continuing their strong performances and will aim to secure more points in the next round of the championship. As the season progresses, DS Automobiles is determined to build on their success and maintain their competitive edge in Formula E.
