Jean-Éric Vergne: “Proud to represent Citroën’s heritage”

Jean-Éric Vergne, what does it mean to you to represent the colors of Citroën, a legendary French manufacturer that is returning to the world championship, and arriving for the first time in car ?

It's great. Citroën is this team that won absolutely everything in WRC with Sébastien (Loeb), then again with Sébastien (Ogier) then. They arrived in WTCC and won in their first year. They are the French manufacturer that arrives in any championship and wins straight away. Who doesn't just win, but crushes the competition. Citroën has a very special heritage. I am super proud to represent the Citroën heritage, and it gives me a lot of motivation to continue their story, to extend their line of world championship victories, wherever they go. It's great.

What is the biggest change from DS Penske?

These are two brands with very different pedigrees, difficult to compare. The biggest difference is teamwork. At Penske, it was a very English team, based in England, with a different work mentality. Here, I find old engineers, new ones, and the team will be based in France. The mentalities are a little different, but I'm not arriving in an unknown company either: DS, before Penske, was already very Franco-French.

Why is it important for you to continue in Formula E, where you have been since the first season?

Because I think we're entering a very interesting period. The evolution of Formula E is going to be much more significant than in recent years, with the arrival of Gen4 and new manufacturers. The last four years have been a bit difficult, especially after Covid-19. FE took off, then struggled to find its feet. Today, however, with the promoter, the FIA, the teams, the investors, and a frankly beautiful new calendar, I think it's a great time to continue. I don't intend to stop; I'm here for the long haul. My motivation is stronger than ever. Changing teams also brings a new boost.

What are your expectations for the first year of the Citroën program?

It's a new team, so we obviously have to find the right balance. The key is for everyone to work together, in symbiosis. There are great individuals here, some I already know, others not. The goal is to get things going as quickly as possible to be operational and perform. When we're at our best, we can aim for victories and the championship. Will that be this year? I hope so.

Is there a real exchange of knowledge between DS and Citroën, or are you two separate entities?

They are two different teams. Stellantis is on top, but each works in its own way. There are exchanges, of course, but if the two teams want to go in different directions, no one is going to force them to follow the same path.

How did your transition go between DS and Citroën, both within Stellantis?

It's mostly a question of opportunity and alignment between the brands. Citroën had a long-term plan, and so do I. I don't want to stop at two titles. So it made sense.

Do you think Formula E needs to renew its concept to regain interest?

Renewing the concept, not really. We can't change the electric nature of the championship. Maybe in the future it will be hydrogen, but the real change will come from the car itself. When Gen3 came out, I wasn't a fan, neither of the races it produced, nor of its design. I quickly stopped talking about it, because it wasn't moving things forward, but the authorities have evolved a lot since then. And what I've seen of Gen4... it's going to be a beast! I think it's going to revive Formula E, that's for sure.

Your program in WEC with Peugeot and the one in Formula E with Citroën, do they have the same importance for you?

Yes, absolutely. These are two very important programs for Stellantis, and I am 100% committed to both.

Interview by Valentin Glo, in Paris.

ALSO READ > Who are the drivers competing in the Formula E women's test?