Electric Cars

DS Penske, a prominent name in Formula E, has revealed its formidable driver lineup for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. The team will field a promising pairing of seasoned competitor Maximilian Guenther and the remarkably talented young British driver, Taylor Barnard. This strategic move aims to combine Guenther's established expertise with Barnard's burgeoning talent, creating one of the most exciting duos on the grid. The announcement also signifies a significant shift for the team, as it marks the end of an era with the departure of the highly successful Jean-Eric Vergne, who contributed significantly to DS Automobiles' championship victories.

DS Automobiles has a long-standing tradition of attracting exceptional drivers in the highly specialized world of Formula E, where experience is paramount. Historically, the French manufacturer has entrusted its electric single-seaters to an array of celebrated names. These include three-time WTCC world champion Jose Maria Lopez, the legendary three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Andre Lotterer, and 2021-22 Formula E world champion Stoffel Vandoorne. Additionally, drivers like Antonio Felix Da Costa and Jean-Eric Vergne were instrumental in securing two constructors' titles and two drivers' championships for the team.

Taylor Barnard, while a relatively new face in the Formula E landscape, has swiftly carved out an impressive niche for himself. His rapid progression and record-breaking achievements last season captured the attention of DS Automobiles and its partner, Penske Autosport. Barnard’s journey in Formula E has been nothing short of spectacular, demonstrating a natural aptitude and fearless competitive spirit that belies his age.

Last season, Barnard made headlines by becoming the youngest driver to ever start an E-Prix in Monaco, at just 19 years and 331 days old, stepping in for an injured Sam Bird. This debut was followed by another milestone in the very next race in Berlin, where he became the youngest driver to score championship points. These early successes paved the way for his eventual contract with McLaren, further solidifying his status as a formidable talent in electric motorsport.

Continuing his ascent, the young Brit showcased remarkable performances, characterized by his uninhibited driving style. In the opening race of the 2024-2025 season in Sao Paulo, Barnard once again rewrote the record books by becoming the youngest driver to achieve a podium finish, securing third place. Just weeks later, he clinched the title of the youngest driver to claim a pole position in Formula E history. These consistent and impactful achievements made him an undeniable choice for DS Penske, securing him a coveted spot with one of the championship's most successful teams.

Maximilian Guenther, another key figure in DS Penske's new lineup, also held the distinction of being the youngest Formula E driver when he first joined the series in the 2018-2019 season. Guenther has demonstrated a consistently impressive track record and quickly adapted to the DS E-TENSE FE25. His prowess was particularly evident at the Jeddah E-Prix in February, where he achieved a grand slam, dominating every session. This was followed by another victory a few weeks later in Shanghai, firmly establishing him as a foundational element of the Franco-American racing outfit.

The combination of Maximilian Guenther's established winning experience and Taylor Barnard's dynamic, record-breaking talent creates a potent force for DS Penske in the upcoming 12th season of Formula E. This pairing is expected to be one of the fastest and most skilled duos in the championship, poised to challenge for top honors. While this new chapter promises excitement, it also marks a significant transition with the conclusion of the eight-year partnership between Jean-Eric Vergne and DS Automobiles, a partnership that yielded two team championship titles, one drivers' championship, six victories, 25 podiums, and 11 pole positions.

Toprak Razgatlioglu, who recently joined Pramac Yamaha, is poised to engage in a private testing session with Yamaha's 2026 V4 MotoGP motorcycle. This initiative aims to provide him with an early acclimation to the bike prior to the official Valencia tests scheduled for November 18. The move underscores Yamaha's commitment to ensuring their new rider is thoroughly prepared, especially given the significant gap since Razgatlioglu's last MotoGP test outing.

Razgatlioglu's transition from World Superbike to MotoGP marks a pivotal moment in his career. The private test, facilitated by Paolo Pavesio, head of the project, highlights the strategic importance Yamaha places on his integration. By allowing him to gain crucial seat time, the team seeks to mitigate potential challenges and optimize his performance when he officially joins his peers at the Valencia circuit.

Early Acclimation to Yamaha's MotoGP Machine

Toprak Razgatlioglu, the recent addition to the Pramac Yamaha team, is set to participate in an exclusive testing event involving Yamaha's 2026 V4 MotoGP motorcycle. This preparatory session is strategically arranged ahead of the comprehensive post-season tests slated for November 18 in Valencia. The primary objective behind this early opportunity is to enable Razgatlioglu to acquaint himself with the nuances of the V4-powered M1, providing a significant advantage in his transition to the premier class of motorcycle racing. This hands-on experience is particularly vital given that his last engagement with a MotoGP prototype dates back more than two years.

The upcoming private test serves as a critical phase for Razgatlioglu to re-familiarize himself with the demanding characteristics of a MotoGP machine. His previous test rides in Aragon in June 2022, which were hampered by adverse weather conditions, and a more favorable one in Jerez in April 2023, underscore the need for more extensive track time. Yamaha's proactive approach, backed by Paolo Pavesio, aims to ensure that Razgatlioglu has ample opportunity to adapt to the bike's dynamics and handling before he faces direct competition in the official testing environment. This early immersion is expected to boost his confidence and readiness for the challenges of the upcoming season.

Strategic Preparation at Motorland Aragon

While the precise details regarding the location and schedule of this preliminary test were initially withheld, recent information indicates that Motorland Aragon will host the two-day session on November 9-10. This timing is particularly strategic, coinciding with the MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix weekend, which allows Yamaha's dedicated test team to be actively engaged at the Spanish circuit. Their presence will be crucial in preparing the four prototype machines destined for the official Valencia test, effectively serving as a shakedown to fine-tune the bikes for their next evaluation.

During these two days, the Turkish rider is expected to undertake numerous laps on Yamaha's latest MotoGP prototype. The insights gained from these runs will be invaluable for both Razgatlioglu and the team in refining the bike's setup and his riding style. Test rider Augusto Fernandez will play a key role, being responsible for operating the four bikes that will subsequently be assigned to Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Jack Miller, and Razgatlioglu himself during the official Valencia test. Furthermore, following the official testing in Valencia, Pirelli will conduct its own tire test, building on an earlier session scheduled at Misano, further contributing to the comprehensive preparation for the 2026 season.