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Reigning ABB FIA Formula E World Drivers' Champion Stoffel Vandoorne will join DS PENSKE alongside two-time champion Jean-Eric Vergne in Season 9; the start of the Gen3 era.
Vandoorne spent four years with Mercedes-EQ, culminating in a World Championship title in Season 8, secured at the Seoul finale. The Belgian was also key to the team's consecutive Teams' trophies - taking 15 podiums and three wins with the German outfit.
The 30-year-old jumps to another title-winning manufacturer in DS Automobiles. The French automaker is among the series' most successful, with two Drivers' and Teams' titles to its name, and from Season 9 it will partner with PENSKE AUTOSPORT.
Vandoorne feels trophies and a successful title defence has to be the target, and he's hoping he and new teammate Vergne can form a formidable partnership.
READ MORE: DS Automobiles and PENSKE AUTOSPORT partner from Season 9
“I’m really happy to be joining DS PENSKE from next season," says Vandoorne. "It’s a big change for me after four years at Mercedes but I am very excited to start working with the team.
"DS has achieved excellent results in the past, winning the Drivers’ and Teams’ titles twice: it’s a good record and one that I hope I can add to before long! It’s also a great pleasure to be associated with the only double champion in Formula E. I believe that JEV and I will form one of the strongest line-ups for Season 9.
"We’re now in full preparation mode with the Gen3 car and I’m just starting this story with my new team, so these are two exciting challenges for the coming years! One thing is sure: I can’t wait to get back on track, fight to defend my world title, and pick up plenty of trophies!”
DS/Vergne duo endures
Vergne has enjoyed his best moments as part of the DS Automobiles stable. The Frenchman secured the first and only title-double in Formula E back in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 campaigns, and there was little suggestion of his association with the outfit ending any time soon.
He's more than happy at DS and with the combination of minds with PENSKE, and he aims to hit the ground running at the start of Gen3 and Formula E's new era.
“I’m extremely happy to continue my adventure with DS," said the 32-year-old. "Our very first race together dates back to 2015 and I believe that our association has made a big impact on the history of Formula E.
WATCH: How the story of Season 8 unfolded
"With DS and its brilliant engineers, who have been with me for a number of years now, we’ve achieved 28 podiums, 10 victories and, of course, won the Drivers’ and Teams’ titles twice. Over the course of these seasons, I’ve built a really strong relationship and trust with the team, both on a human and a sporting level.
"I’m also really looking forward to the partnership with PENSKE, which is a huge name in world motorsport, and to forming a solid driver pairing with Stoffel. Today is the start of a new chapter for the team and we are going to do everything we can to showcase DS PENSKE at the highest level.
"The Gen3 car offers us fresh opportunities to continue to deliver strong performances on track, and I am more motivated than ever to fight for some more titles!”