Vergne rubbishes FE homologation "advantage" suggestions
Jean-Eric Vergne has rubbished suggestions that DS Techeetah has gained an advantage by delaying the introduction of its new Formula E powertrain until April.
With supply chains being affected by the coronavirus pandemic, Formula E teams had been given the option of homologating their new powertrains at the start of the 2020/21 season or at either of the two specified points later in the campaign.
The decision had to be made bearing in mind that these powertrains must last for two seasons until the Gen3 cars are introduced in 2022/23.
While a vast majority of the teams have elected to kick off the new campaign with their latest powertrain, DS, Nissan and Dragon/Penske Autosport won’t homologate their power units until the second slot on April 5.
When the new homologation rules were agreed with the teams, the 2020/21 Formula E calendar featured five rounds before the April window. However, due to the pandemic-induced schedule changes, only the Saudi Arabia races are now due to take place with that time frame.
With DS Techeetah, Nissan and Dragon/Penske now only required to run their old powertrain at only two races, several teams have expressed their frustration at the apparent advantage they’ve gained - although Motorsport.com understands that these teams are no longer as concerned about the situation as they were when the Santiago double-header was postponed.
However, Vergne feels there is no advantage to be gained from the homologation, saying those teams who have made such allegations “better focus on their jobs”.
“An advantage? I don't know if that's an advantage, we'll find out at the end of the year,” Vergne told Motorsport.com.
“I think quite a few people might like to say we've got an advantage, for sure, but we didn't anticipate COVID would last for so long, we didn't anticipate races would be postponed. In the end, we have nothing to do with it.
“We followed the regulations, which gave us time to choose when we wanted to introduce our engine. For quite a few reasons, we decided it would be in April 2021. Then, it's not our fault that the calendar has changed.”
He added: “You know, it's funny – I've been in a position where I was losing, in a position where I was winning, and when you lose, you always find excuses: other people are cheating, or you've been having problems.
“Those who say that had better focus on their jobs and not say such things. But I don't know who has said that, maybe nobody will say it [again].”
Vergne said DS took a strategic decision to use the second slot because it didn’t want to risk building a faulty powertrain by rushing with its build.
“The homologation includes season eight – the following season,” the two-time FE champion explained. “I think it probably was a strategic decision by DS to wait until we were a bit more certain of what we wanted to put into that powertrain, given that we would have to race with it for a season and a half.
“Those who rushed into making a powertrain – if we had designed it badly, we would have been stuck with that powertrain for two years.
“I think DS probably preferred having slightly worse chances for the first part of this year's and maximise chances for the second part of the season and the next one.”
2015/16 Formula E champion Sebastien Buemi said Nissan factored in potential changes to the calendar while choosing the second homologation window.
"We didn't threaten them into homologating their powertrain for the first race!" Buemi told Motorsport.com. "When we made the call about homologation, we already knew that the championship, despite being published, would never take place as planned.
"When we made this decision, we knew why we were making it. Again, it's not like you're going to gain a second per lap. Then, it's really hard to say how much you lose or gain waiting [for the second homologation window]."
Related video
Formula E customer teams to get greater parity in Gen3 era
Cassidy braced for "tough times" in rookie Formula E season
The sharing mentality that transformed the fortunes of two FE teams
Electing not to share data with its competitive customer team would have been a straightforward means of gaining an edge on at least one of Mercedes' Formula E rivals last season. But by reciprocating the relationship forged under its initial HWA guise, when it was a customer to Venturi, both teams have reaped the rewards
How Mercedes's Formula E squad replicated the F1 team's best trait
With its ultra-successful sister team in Formula 1 and a support network providing some of the best minds and resources in the business, Mercedes Formula E team principal Ian James knew his squad had all the winning ingredients. But mixing it together was no easy feat and required key attributes to be grown from within
How Formula E's polarising newcomer Ticktum can prove himself
OPINION: Few figures in racing today divide opinion like Dan Ticktum. The Formula 2 race winner now has the chance to wipe his professional slate clean with his move into Formula E, but it won't be easy at the squad which has brought up the rear for the past three years. Here are the three key criteria he must meet to make a lasting impression on the series.
How Mercedes pulled off a silent coup in Formula E
By virtue of its Formula 1 success, Mercedes was expected to rise to power in Formula E before long. That it won both the drivers' and manufacturers' championships this year, after only two seasons as a full works effort, belies a tricky path littered with potential pitfalls
Why electric racing cars should be four-wheel drive
OPINION: Circuit racing has traditionally favoured front- or rear-wheel-drive setups, eschewing the equal distribution of power. But for Formula E and other electric-powered series, our columnist believes it’s a perfect fit.
How motorsport's most prominent power couple found joint success
The Wolffs have carved their own paths in motorsport, leading their respective teams to success in Formula 1 and Formula E. But the two came together last month as their drivers finished first and second in the FE drivers' championship - a feat they are hugely proud of. In a rare joint interview, they reflect on a remarkable season
The top 10 Formula E drivers of 2020-21
OPINION: The 2021 Formula E campaign was one without a narrative for much of the season, with no single car or driver able to break away from the pack. That makes choosing a top 10 especially difficult, particularly as the qualifying format meant some worthy performers were unable to enjoy their day in the sun.
How Mercedes and de Vries achieved Formula E glory the hard way
When Nyck de Vries dominated the first race of what would be the most controversial and unpredictable Formula E season to date, it looked as though Mercedes was in for a cakewalk. But as the campaign wore on, the path to a title double became increasingly rocky. Neither driver or team would be assured of the crown until the closing stages of the very final race on a weekend of struggle in Berlin.