The two DS Penske drivers Jean-Eric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne have been successful in Formula E in Berlin in the past
Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Eric Vergne drive a consistent rhythm dictated by the calendar of the various championships in which they compete. Formula E and DS-Penske remain their top priorities
The life of a world-class driver is not always easy. After his podium finish in Monaco, Vandoorne flew to Miami for the Formula 1 Grand Prix and then met up with his teammate Vergne for a series of simulator sessions to prepare for the race in Berlin.
In the meantime, the Frenchman has been following Peugeot’s preparations for the 6 Hours of Spa, with which he will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in just over a month’s time. In addition, the final phase of the Formula E season is likely to be very busy with four double-headers until the end of July: Berlin (Germany), Shanghai (China), Portland (USA) and London (UK).
In other words, the riders’ abilities as top athletes will be put to the test. To keep up, each rider can count on the support of an entire team, with the kind of family spirit often found in a group of people united for better (and sometimes for worse)
Happily, the former is more often the case at DS-Penske, because with drivers who have won three titles in nine seasons, it is fair to say that the American-French team has one of the strongest and most experienced teams in the championship. After presenting themselves in their ‘Grand Gala’ guise in Monaco, both the electric cars and the drivers are ready for the two races in Berlin that kick off the second half of the season.
The new race track in Berlin
Originally 2.585 kilometers long with 15 corners, the track has been shortened to 2.343 kilometers this year. It includes two straights (including the start straight), two hairpins and a variety of corners with two overtaking opportunities to increase the spectacle. “A track with a modular layout like Berlin is unique this season,” says DS Penske driver Vergne.
“We have a very large area there that is completely free to use, which means we can design a track that suits the performance of our Gen3. After Monaco, I wondered what the track would look like and couldn’t wait to work on it in the simulator. “
“Together with the team, we worked out several possible strategies and realized that our DS E-TENSE FE23s are at the peak of their performance. I can’t wait to race again in Berlin, where we have so many good memories and where we can hopefully write even more great motorsport stories,” Vergne continued.
Vergne has already secured one pole position (2015) and two podium finishes (2019 and 2022) in Berlin. A win this weekend would catapult him into another dimension after he was already the driver with the most world championship points before the race in Monaco. Vandoorne has both claimed a pole position and won a race in Berlin in 2020. What will happen this season?