Sam Bird and Jean-Eric Vergne will form the line-up for the DS Virgin Racing team in season two of the FIA Formula E Championship that kicks off in October in Beijing.
Bird retains his seat after a double-race winning debut season in 2014-2015, having won round two in Malaysia and the season finale at Battersea Park, while former Formula 1 driver Vergne switches from Andretti Autosport, where he took three pole positions last season.
British driver Bird, a race winner in both the GP2 Series and Formula Renault 3.5 in the past, is looking forward to returning to the team for the 2015-2016 season, which begins next week with a test session at Donington Park.
“Last season was a learning curve but one I thoroughly enjoyed, so I’m elated to be back with the DS Virgin Racing team for the 2015/16 season,” revealed Bird.
“We had two great wins last season in Malaysia and then at my home race in London, so the aim is to build on that success and have a fantastic second season in Formula E.
“The advancements to the car around the powertrain are really exciting so I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel shortly in Donington to get some good testing in before the first race in Beijing.”
Frenchman Vergne had been linked with a return to Andretti Autosport for season two, but chose the DS Virgin Racing team instead, and is hopeful the season can prove the team to be one of the leading teams racing in the series.
“I am delighted to be joining the DS Virgin Racing Team at such an exciting time for the team, and also for the series given the new regulations for season two,” said Vergne.
“With the DS brand coming on board as a new partner to the team, I am looking forward to being aligned with a French, forward thinking marque. I understand that there are a number of exciting things going on behind the scenes that should ensure that we have a competitive start to the season.
“Looking back to my first race of last season where I qualified on pole, I am very excited to be getting back into a racing seat at the first race of the season in October.
“I am confident that my raw pace and appetite for success will help ensure that DS Virgin Racing continues to be one of the leading teams in Formula E.”