DS Automobiles began its 11th season in Formula E at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia, with the same motivation as ever and a partially renewed driver line-up
This is the 12th year of Formula E, and almost as many for the French manufacturer, which hopes to add to its already impressive list of achievements. So, when the black and gold single-seaters took to the track in Valencia, observers followed them with particular attention.
On the one hand, this is because it is the only team to have stood up to – and even beaten, depending on the year – the German and British outfits with their colossal budgets. But also because DS Automobiles holds four titles: two drivers’ and two constructors’.
DS Penske is therefore not a team like any other. After 137 races and 26 victories, the DS E-Tense FE cars, are still keen to bring excitement to the track.
Together with American motorsport heavyweight Penske Autosport, DS Performance – the French manufacturer’s competition department – forms a strong duo, as does its drivers. Maximilian Guenther, who has been with the Franco-American team since last season, quickly made his mark by achieving a grand slam in Saudi Arabia and collected pole position, victory and the fastest lap in the race last February.
Guenther’s victory in China a few weeks later confirmed his status as a top driver. This season, his goal is clear and his motivation remains intact.
Maximilian Guenther, DS Penske
Photo by: DPPI
“I’m really happy to start this new season with DS Penske, which has brought me a lot of satisfaction,” he said. “You’re always learning, because Formula E is a constantly evolving series, and you have to understand the complexity of single-seaters that are constantly improving. The most important thing is to feel good behind the wheel so you can perform, and I firmly believe in that!”
The German driver is also looking forward to teaming up with young talent Taylor Barnard, who has moved from McLaren to DS Penske:
“Taylor is a very good teammate, young and fast,” Guenther added. “He had a very good first season and we share a similar vision of driving. The whole team is pushing us together, and that’s very enjoyable.”
A free spirit comes to the rescue
Barnard, a young prodigy whose talent was noticed last season, has already broken several records. Like Gunther in his day, he became the youngest driver to start an E-Prix at 19 years and 331 days at the Monaco race in 2024. In the very next race in Berlin, he became the youngest to score points while not yet a regular driver.
When he became a full-time driver the following season, the highlights continued: his first podium in his first race, then his first pole position a few weeks later became another youth record. These facts do not seem to matter particularly to the young Briton.
“I don’t pay too much attention to those kinds of statistics,” he said. “What I want now is to score points for my team, win races because I haven’t managed that yet, and, of course, aim for the championship. The constructors’ title is a priority for us.”
Taylor Barnard, DS Penske
Photo by: DPPI
In the Valencia test, the two DS Penske drivers were in “observation” mode, confident in their car’s ability to shine against seasoned competitors. While everyone knows that the Valencia test results are not necessarily representative, it is still interesting – and reassuring for the teams – to see that the two DS E-Tense FE 25s regularly appeared at the top of the timesheets.
After five days at the Ricardo Tormo circuit, all eyes will now turn to the start of the season, scheduled for the first weekend of December in Sao Paulo.
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