Electric Cars

Elfyn Evans recognizes the significant challenge posed by his Toyota teammate, Sebastien Ogier, in the pursuit of the World Rally Championship title, especially with only three events left on the calendar. Ogier's exceptional performance, marked by five wins in eight rounds and a perfect podium record, underscores the monumental task ahead for Evans. The recent Rally Chile saw Ogier clinch victory by an 11-second margin, propelling him to a two-point lead over Evans in the standings. This result reversed Evans's prior nine-point advantage, intensifying the championship battle as they head into the crucial asphalt rallies of the Central European Rally and Rally Japan.

Evans, a two-time runner-up to Ogier in 2020 and 2021, acknowledges the Frenchman's unparalleled skill and consistency, stating, \"We know how fast he is everywhere he goes. That is the reality and that is what we are up against.\" Despite this daunting reality, Evans remains resolute, vowing to deliver his utmost in the remaining rallies. He expressed satisfaction with his improved pace in Chile compared to his struggles in Paraguay, which allowed him to initially lead the rally before Ogier's decisive move on Saturday afternoon. Evans's sixth podium finish of the year highlights his consistent performance, even as he faces a formidable opponent.

Sebastien Ogier, reflecting on his dominant season, believes it has been "close to perfect," averaging an impressive 28 points per rally across his eight appearances. His performance in Chile, where he secured a maximum 35 points, significantly boosted his championship aspirations after a rain-affected previous round in Paraguay limited his points haul. Ogier emphasizes his commitment to winning rallies rather than merely maintaining a lead. With three rallies still to come, he acknowledges the difficulty of achieving a truly perfect season but remains focused on extending his lead and clinching his ninth world title.

The upcoming races promise to be a thrilling test of skill, strategy, and resilience for both drivers. Evans's determination to overcome the odds and Ogier's relentless pursuit of perfection exemplify the spirit of competitive rally racing. Their rivalry not only pushes them to their limits but also inspires fans with their dedication and sportsmanship. Ultimately, the championship will be decided by who can best manage the pressures of the final rounds and deliver peak performance when it matters most, showcasing the very best of motorsport.

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.