A bitter-sweet debut for DS PENSKE at Portland

Here in the backyard of Penske, DS Automobiles’ famous team partner, the Franco-American outfit was determined to put the information and knowledge acquired in previous rounds to good use as it aimed to keep performing and showcasing the qualities of its DS E-TENSE FE23s on a permanent racetrack, normally used for Indycar racing. A circuit where energy management was set to prove crucial. Unfortunately, a penalty awarded for having made a note of the tyres used by rival teams – something which is fairly common and not prohibited in the championship – meant that the cars of defending world champion Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Eric Vergne had to start the race from the pit lane. Aware that they had a competitive package, both drivers nonetheless refused to be beaten, determined to show their renowned fighting spirit.

Vergne went on the attack, riding his luck and seizing opportunities to move up to fourth place. However, his air vents became obstructed after being forced wide onto the grass and the car’s engine overheated, which ultimately prevented him from finishing any higher than eleventh at the chequered flag. He finished one place ahead of his team-mate Vandoorne, who ended the race twelfth. Overall, it was a somewhat disappointing result for DS PENSKE on home soil. The team has already turned its attention to the next round of the championship, held on 15-16 July in Rome, Italy, where they will be eager to finishing higher up the standings, closer to their true level.

Championship update

Despite a tough weekend, Jean-Eric Vergne remains in the top five of the drivers’ championship, as does DS PENSKE in the teams’ standings.