DS Announces the Creation of DS PERFORMANCE

DS ANNOUNCES THE CREATION OF DS PERFORMANCE

DS is today announcing the creation of its motorsport division, DS Performance.

DS Performance is contributing its technological expertise in Formula E research and development to the DS Virgin Racing team.

Based at the future PSA Excellence Centre at Satory, DS Performance is directed by Yves Matton.

Harnessing their technological expertise and galvanised by the WRC and WTCC successes of Yves Matton, the engineers at DS Performance have developed the entire drivetrain of the DSV-01, including the electric motor, gearbox and controller. They have also designed its cooling system, rear suspension and transmission. The motor management system was designed together with Magnetti Maretti.

DS Performance will support DS Virgin Racing throughout its season, enabling Sam Bird and Jean-Eric Vergne to draw on all the performance of the race cars.

“More than a simple R&D laboratory, DS Performance will stand as a true showcase of the technological expertise and avant-garde spirit of the DS brand. It was a natural move for us to call on Yves Matton and his teams, multiple WRC and WTCC world champions, to develop the all-electric DSV-01 race car.” Yves Bonnefont, CEO of the DS brand.

“I am very proud that DS has called on us to succeed in the new challenge of developing the DSV-01. After the work accomplished in the last few months, the success of the initial official tests of the DSV-01 with Sam Bird and Jean-Eric Vergne was a great source of satisfaction for my teams and myself. We are going to support DS Virgin Racing and work together from Beijing to London to add motorsport success to the DS brand’s accomplishments.” Yves Matton, Director of DS Performance

www.driveds.com/

DS VIRGIN RACING REVEAL SEASON TWO LIVERY

Ahead of the first race of the second FIA Formula E season, the DS Virgin Racing team has unveiled a new livery design that drivers Sam Bird and Jean-Eric Vergne will showcase for the first time at the final pre-season testing dates on 24th and 25th August 2015 at Donington Park.

Combining DS’ and Virgin’s brand identities, the new luxurious design represents a dynamic integration of both the DS brand’s and Virgin’s colour schemes. Maintaining the distinctive red and chrome features from season one, the DS brand logo now appears proudly on each side of the car on a black background, whilst the battery cover will remain purple as in season one.

Carrying on from the inaugural season of Formula E, both Sam Bird and Jean-Eric Vergne’s cars will be named after Holly and Bellie Branson, featuring the ‘flying lady’ graphic as traditionally used across Virgin’s technological projects.

To mark the launch of the new livery, DS Virgin Racing have released a dynamic video, filmed in a dimly lit warehouse at Donington Park circuit, featuring British driver Sam Bird and telling the story of the car’s livery evolution from last season.

Speaking about the new design, Sam Bird said, “Last season we had the best car on the grid visually and so to have another great livery design for season two is brilliant. Formula E cars look fantastic as a basic starting point but I feel that we have again taken it to another level with this season’s livery. I cannot wait to get on track in Beijing for the first race of the season and show off the new design to all of those people onsite and watching on TV.”

Jean-Eric Vergne said, “DS have a long history of making attractive, premium cars and this DS Virgin Racing livery is no different. I’m hugely excited by the prospect of starting the season with the DS Virgin Racing team in this fantastic looking car.”

Alex Tai, DS Virgin Racing Team Principal, said, “The Formula E series is evolving at a fast pace as is the Virgin Racing team, now DS Virgin Racing thanks to our partnership with the DS brand. Our season two livery showcases the growth of our team and the global brands with which we are working. I love the addition of the black, which makes the car appear sleek yet aggressive – which is how we intend to race. Our traditional Virgin colours are still integrated into the livery, but we have given it a new twist.”

Yves Bonnefont, CEO of DS Brand, said, “We are delighted to be a part of the FIA Formula E championship and to reveal our new livery as a team is a brilliant way to start this partnership. We have combined elements of both DS and Virgin and created a fantastic looking car that looks luxurious and sophisticated.”

For more information on the DS Virgin Racing Formula E Team, please visit the website:

http://www.virginracing.com