Jean-Éric Vergne shall be on the coronary heart of a titanic conflict between him and his teammate Antonio Felix da Costa this yr, however the Frenchman refuses to sort out this new Formula E season otherwise.
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Two-time sequence champion with DS Techeetah in 2018-19 and 2019-2020, Vergne completed third within the final marketing campaign, whereas his new teammate claimed the title by a margin of 71 factors. It was the most important margin in FE historical past in six seasons.
Never thoughts, the previous Formula 1 driver is focusing for the second on the primary two races of the season which can happen on Friday and Saturday in Dariya, Saudi Arabia, with out placing additional pressure on his shoulders.
“I don’t care what people take away from my heritage in sport,” Vergne stated level clean when requested in regards to the imprint he’ll go away behind him. The solely factor I can do is focus on my job with out serious about what different individuals suppose. ”
Still time
30 years outdated, Vergne certainly believes that he’s capable of supply a number of extra years of service in FE. If he is assured of preventing for the title this yr, one or two seasons with out being topped would not be too unhealthy for him.
He notably alluded to the F1 profession of Lewis Hamilton, who needed to wait six years between his first two titles, whereas he at present has a report of seven.
“I think I still have a lot of years in the sport and I’m not worried about my results to come. I think I still have good years ahead of me and possibilities for results. ”
“JEV” will nevertheless need to renegotiate on the finish of the season if he needs to stick with DS Techeetah since his present contract will expire on the finish of the marketing campaign. But if it evolves in a Chinese workforce, it has the help of the French engine producer DS, so {that a} new settlement appears extremely possible.
“We’ll see what the two sides want to do. But for now, I am very good in this team, the relationship is going very well. It’s a matter of formality to continue. ”
To be there or to not be there
Alongside his single-seater profession, Vergne additionally launched into endurance racing in 2017, collaborating within the final 4 editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Manor (2017) and G-Drive Racing.
If he has pushed thus far within the LMP2 class – the second in significance – he has now signed up with Peugeot, which goals to return to competitors in 2022 within the first class, renamed from this yr “Hypercar”. He will thus have the ability to struggle for victory.
The athlete from Pontoise nonetheless hopes to have the ability to take part within the 2021 version of this legendary race, with the blessing of Peugeot, however he has not but acquired any supply on this regard.
The COVID-19 pandemic might additionally put some sticks within the wheels, because the race is because of happen on June 12 and 13, simply days after the 2 rounds of FE scheduled in Santiago, on June 5 and 6.
“At the moment, I am not registered for the 24 hours so I have no problem. But if there is a quarantine period for travel, restrictions, and we have three races weekend after weekend, that could be a problem, ”he conceded.
And for Formula 1, the dream is over. “Totally.”
Old engine, no drawback for DS Techeetah
The DS Techeetah workforce shall be one in every of three groups among the many 12 entered in Formula E to start out the subsequent season with the powertrain final marketing campaign, however this example is much from worrying Jean-Éric Vergne.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a want to chop prices, the FE has determined to permit just one powertrain homologation for the subsequent two seasons, fairly than one per yr below regular circumstances.
But DS Techeetah received each titles in 2019-2020 and can have the ability to profit from an environment friendly engine, regardless of its age.
“I don’t see it as a handicap,” Vergne stated Tuesday. I feel we already had a superb engine final yr and I do not suppose the modifications which were made will change a lot. It’s not like it will get us 5 tenths of a second. It shall be very small good points. So I do not suppose it is a drawback to start out the season with the outdated engine. ”
An in depth wrestle
The present era of automobiles and the rules for motorization are nevertheless coming to the top of their sensible life, as a 3rd era will make its debut for the 2022-2023 season. Thus, the gaps shall be narrowed, and the room for maneuver is small.
“We are a team that will never relax. We continue to innovate and work hard. But the others are also working extremely hard and they are catching up with us. We have to stay on our toes to go in the right direction and win. We’ll see how the season starts, but it’s still a lot of work. ”
“I think any team can be threatening at a very high level. We will see who we fight against, but it is not much use to focus today on who will be fast since anyone can win races. ”
FE’s season shall be broadcast dwell on the channel VAT Sports beginning Friday.
