DS VIRGIN RACING CONCLUDES POSITIVE FORMULA E TESTING PROGRAMME
06.10.17 DS VIRGIN RACING CONCLUDES POSITIVE FORMULA E TESTING PROGRAMME Preparations on track for Hong Kong season opener¿ DS Virgin Racing showed strong form across all three days of official pre-season Formula E testing at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo Circuit this week, with preparations on track for the season opener in Hong Kong. Driver pairing Sam Bird and Alex Lynn – the series’ first ever all-British line-up – racked up a sizeable tally of 440 laps around the 3.09km modified National Circuit in the team’s season four DSV-03 challenger (see specification below). Focusing on gaining valuable data ahead of the opening rounds on 2/3 December, the team conducted a series of race simulations and qualifying runs as it aims to continue its previous success in the all-electric championship. The morning session on day one saw Bird top the timesheets with Lynn P4, with the two going on to show strong pace the following day, with Bird finishing third overall on the second day. Day three saw Bird in P6 and Lynn in P8 in the morning session, with longer race simulations conducted in the afternoon as the team clocked-up its mileage. Summarising the three-day test programme Bird said: “Preparations have gone well. We’ve shown a good turn of speed but this track isn’t representative of the Formula E circuits we’re used to so we’ll have to wait and see how our form here translates come the opening race. The car feels good though as we’ve made some small but significant tweaks to optimise our already strong package.�?? Lynn said: “Overall it’s been a positive test session for the team, which together with the data collected from our private test programme, puts us in good stead for the season. We’ve been able to work through our various scenarios and set-ups and I can’t wait to start my first full Formula E season.�?? Team Principal Alex Tai commented: “I’m delighted with the team’s performance this week. Yet again we’ve shown we have a competitive package heading into season four. The Valencia circuit is not an ideal testing ground so it’s hard to state with any confidence where we are compared to other teams but, for sure, we are working well as a unit. Both our drivers have more than enough skill to make the difference and the whole team can’t wait for the season-opener to show what we can do.�?? DS Performance Director Xavier Mestelan Pinon added: “This official testing session is a like a final rehearsal before the start of the season. We refined and validated the technical choices made during our R&D tests, which began in January with the DSV-03. The cars are technically very demanding. The experience accumulated over the last three years allows us to better anticipate the technical challenges that we will have to face. This will be essential for the first meeting of the season in December.�?? The 2017/2018 FIA Formula E Championship begins in Hong Kong on December 2/3. For more information on the DS Virgin Racing Formula E Team, visit: http://map.ds-virginracing.com/ DS Virgin Racing – Formula E car details: Car: DSV-03 homologated by the FIA Dimensions: Length 5m // Width 1.78m // Height 0.99m Wheel base: 3.10 m Weight of the car: 880kg minimum with pilot Battery weight: 320kg (capacity 28 KW/h) Engine: One electric motor rear wheels Max power: 200kW (271 ch) Racing energy recovered power: 150kW Supply: 700V Gear box: 3 speed Brakes: Ventilated carbon disks, 4-piston calipers; adjustable AV/AR distribution from the interior Max. speed: 225km/h Acceleration (0-100km): Less than 4s Tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport EV 2, 245x40R18 (AV), 305x40R18 (AR) -ENDS- For further information please contact: Tom Phillips, PR & Communications Manager, DS Virgin Racing E: tom.phillips@ds-virginracing.com // T: +44 (0) 7496 972965 About DS Virgin Racing: The DS Virgin Racing Formula E Team is one of the founding and leading teams in the FIA Formula E Championship – the world’s first fully-electric single-seater racing series, competing on the streets of some of the world’s most iconic cities. Headed up by Team Principal Alex Tai and with the support of Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson, the team works in partnership with French luxury car manufacturer DS Automobiles, working together to power innovation. Now entering its fourth season, the British team enjoyed its most successful result in terms of silverware last season, with an impressive six podiums and two wins, together with two pole positions and two fastest laps. Meanwhile, the Virgin Group is a leading international investment group and one of the world's most recognised and respected brands. Conceived in 1970 by Sir Richard Branson, the Virgin Group has gone on to grow successful businesses in sectors including mobile telephony, travel & transportation, financial services, leisure & entertainment and health & wellness. For further information visit: Website: www.ds-virginracing.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSVirginRacing/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DSVirginRacing // @DSVirginRacing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ds_virginracing/ About DS AUTOMOBILES A French brand born in Paris, DS was founded on 1 June 2014. Its ambition is to embody the French know-how of luxury in its cars. Driven by its outstanding heritage and avant-garde spirit, DS perpetuates the values of innovation and distinction inherited from the first DS, launched in 1955. Designed for customers looking for a means to express themselves as individuals, the DS Collection comprises DS 3, DS 3 CABRIO, DS 4, DS 4 CROSSBACK, DS 4S, DS 5, DS 5LS, DS 6 and completed with DS 7 CROSSBACK. The models in the DS range stand apart through their avant-garde design, refinement and attention to detail, advanced technology and dynamic serenity. Presented at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, DS 7 CROSSBACK, the SUV by DS featuring Parisian-style innovation and savoir-faire, ushers in the second generation of DS models. With the DS 7 CROSSBACK La Première limited edition model, forward thinkers can reserve their car online or at a DS Store or DS Salon, and be the first to get behind the wheel. Committed to high-performance hybrid and electric cars, the Brand will launch the DS 7 CROSSBACK equipped with E-Tense, the hybrid powertrain by DS, in 2019. DS models are available from DS Stores, DS Salons and a selection of other dedicated spaces within the Citroën network. DS also has a flagship store, DS WORLD PARIS. DS represents a brand experience that goes beyond the products to include ONLY YOU, a collection of exclusive services showcased at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Further information available at www.DSautomobiles.com About the FIA Formula E Championship: The FIA Formula E Championship is the world’s first fully-electric single-seater racing series, competing on the streets against the backdrop of some of the most iconic cities - including Hong Kong, Marrakesh, Paris, Berlin, New York and Montreal. The championship represents a vision for the future of the motor industry, serving as a platform to showcase the latest innovations in electric vehicle technology and alternative energy solutions. Future seasons will see the regulations open up further allowing manufacturers to focus on the development of motor and battery components, which in turn will filter down to everyday contemporary electric road vehicles. About FIA & Michelin - Today’s partners for tomorrow’s mobility: As well as being the official Formula E tyre supplier, Michelin is an official partner, at the international level, of the FIA Action for Road Safety campaign. The programme is designed to support the Decade of Action for Road Safety initiated by the UN, the aim of which is to save five million lives over the next 10 years. This programme is set up to educate and advocate for safer roads, vehicles and behaviours around the globe.