DS TECHEETAH aims to extend double-title streak in 2020/21

The Sino-French outfit will run its existing car during the opening throes of the 2020/21 Formula E campaign, with a new car and powertrain package coming into play later in the season.

The DS E-TENSE FE20 carried the team to four race wins in 2019/20, and brought home both the Teams' and Drivers' titles - the latter in the hands of Antonio Felix da Costa.

READ MORE: Nice guys finish first. The emotional journey of Formula E Champion, Antonio Felix da Costa

“As a result of the health crisis, Formula E amended its regulations, and instead of homologating a new car ahead of the season start, we’ve been given the opportunity to extend the homologation until the end of the 2020/21 World Championship," explains Xavier Mestelan Pinon, DS performance director.

"We’ve chosen to take a new approach given this opportunity and we have developed two cars simultaneously. Given the tremendous results from Season 6 and the DS E-TENSE FE20, we will start Season 7 with an upgraded version of the championship-winning car and introduce the DS E-TENSE FE21 at the Rome E-Prix. Season 7 is a new challenge for us but our objectives remain the same – fighting for victories and titles.”

Da Costa: 'We're all going for that first World Championship'

A record-equalling three victories on the spin between Round 5 in Marrakesh and Round 7 in Berlin last season, saw Antonio Felix da Costa scoop the Drivers' title in style at Tempelhof - making it an unprecedented three back-to-back for the outfit.

That first Formula E Drivers' Championship has only increased his hunger, however, as the Portuguese driver aims to secure top spot in Formula E's inaugural season as an FIA World Championship.

“Winning my first Formula E title has given me so much more fire to get another one," said the 29-year-old. "JEV and I, and all the other Formula E drivers who give us a good run for our money, are going to have some epic battles this season.

"We are going for that first World Championship title and we’ll do everything in our power to get there. I really can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on, it won’t be in Valencia but keep an eye out in Santiago. We’ll be going for it!”

Vergne eyes top prize

Last season provided a tough test for DS' double ABB FIA Formula E Champion Jean-Eric Vergne.

After two consecutive campaigns in top spot, the DS TECHEETAH driver was beaten by his new teammate Da Costa, who joined the squad after leaving BMW i Andretti Motorsport at the end of Season 5. 

Vergne's a fighter, but a key component in a well-oiled machine that is continually striving to improve. A victory in Berlin and a string of consistently high points-scoring finishes saw him seal third in the standings and helped DS to a second Teams' title on the spin, and he's sure DS will remain the team to beat.

"Since I joined DS TECHEETAH four years ago, I’ve seen first-hand how this the team always continues to improve itself," he said. Our Season 6 results proved our competitiveness, and I am extremely excited to show what we’ve got in store for Season 7.

"We always aim to keep improving and re-inventing ourselves, our approach and most importantly our long-term vision. The team did an incredible job and I look forward to testing again in Valencia ahead of the season opener next January in Santiago.”

There's no doubts JEV will come out swinging in 2020/21, though, as he bids to secure a third Drivers' title.

"I believe in my chances," he said in a recent interview with fiaformulae.com. "I have very high confidence in my team. They proved over the last few years that they are the best. Plus, I've done it two times before."

READ MORE: Jean-Eric Vergne on Season 6, and his Season 7 goal

"At the end of the day, we're all sportsmen and when somebody beats you, he's been doing a better job than you," added Vergne. "I respect Antonio. I think he's a fantastic teammate, but that doesn't change the fact that internally I'm, of course, boiling.

"I'm very angry at myself, and at how the season played out. That has nothing to do with Antonio, just with me. I just don't want to feel that again. "I'm hungry and I'm motivated because I don't want that to happen again."

Making its mark

DS TECHEETAH has laid down a marker for the chasing pack, but with the 2020/21 Formula E grid looking like the most competitive in motorsport right now, retaining its crown will not be an easy task.

DS' successes in the championship to-date, though, have proven to be an immense source of pride for Beatrice Foucher, DS Automobiles' CEO.

“DS Automobiles has made its mark in Formula E history with a new double title in Season 6 against the big names in the automotive industry," said Foucher. 

"Thanks to the men and women involved in this innovative program, we have become a benchmark in 100 percent electric competition. I’m proud of our team and our drivers for their fantastic performance, grateful for the commitment of the whole DS team and of course, thrilled that the 2021 season will start very soon.

“We started our Formula E journey in 2015, as the first premium manufacturer in the series. Formula E is one of the most exciting forms of motorsport in the world and became the first sport in the world to be certified "carbon net zero” in 2020. Moreover, Formula E has the business commitment to electrification, and there is no place we’d rather strengthen our commitment as electrification is at the heart of DS’ strategy."