DS and Virgin Racing are joining forces to compete in Formula ERecently rebranded French car manufacturer collaborates with Sir Richard Branson’s team on electric racing campaign
Citroën’s standalone DS brand is to enter the FIA Formula E electric racing series after joining forces with Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Racing team.
The DS brand, through its motorsport division, will assist with research and development of the single-seater racing car, and Virgin Racing will provide the design strategy. The new tie-up will result in the formation of a new team called DS Virgin Racing.
Yves Bonnefont, chief executive of the DS brand, said: “The engagement of the DS brand in Formula E with 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.”
DS Virgin Racing will compete in the next 2015/16 Formula E Championship, which will begin towards the end of this year.
After running as a one-make championship this season, Formula E will become an open series in 2015/16, allowing manufacturers to pursue their own in-house innovations, beginning with the development of bespoke powertrains.
Virgin Racing team principal Alex Tai said: “Our collaboration with DS 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."
The new deal was announced at the Formula E event in London’s Battersea Park today.
Branson said: “I’m thrilled that Virgin Racing is playing a leading role in another of Formula E’s visions, that of attracting the large automotive OEMs 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.”
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