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Reigning champion Jean-Eric Vergne claims he has "nothing to prove" before embarking on his third championship title challenge. But with two titles to his name, the Frenchman still wants more in his quest to write history and become the "Lewis Hamilton of Formula E."
"I have nothing to prove anymore, " said Vergne during pre-season testing at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia, Spain. "Many drivers feel accomplished after winning one title and it's completely dependant on what the driver wants in their life," "As for myself, I want more because I want to write the history of Formula E, of my sport."
Moments after clinching his second consecutive championship title in New York City earlier this year, Vergne was already hungry for a hattrick. "I will definitely give it all next season, that's for sure - I want more," he said with conviction back in July.
Now, just a few months on, the reigning champ finds himself on the eve of his sixth campaign in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, still with DS Techeetah but alongside new teammate Antonio Felix da Costa.
"I took some time over the summer to reflect on everything and to know what I really wanted in my life. A lot happened last year and I needed a break - I realise that my place is here, nowhere else.
"Formula E is my home now. Even last year, I was thinking that I'd still like to go back to F1 but, when I see what it is today, and I see where it is going, I would be mad to leave the Championship."
As the reigning champ, Vergne is a hunted man. No less than 23 of the best drivers will be gunning for his crown when the season starts in Saudi Arabia on November 22.
"Look at Mercedes, Porsche, Audi - all the big names are here," he says, glancing across at the team garages in the pit lane. With both the Mercedes-Benz EQ and TAG Heuer Porsche outfits on board, the 2019/20 season of the championship boasts the most competitive line up in the history of the all-electric series.
"If the ultimate goal for a racing driver is to win a championship, then it's a question of mentality if you want to have more or not.
"With more, I can also influence the younger generation. We're here in Formula E for more than just racing...we're fighting for a greener planet, we're fighting to change people's mentality," he added.
"If I can write the history and be the Lewis Hamilton of Formula E, then yes I want more."