As the Formula E Season 12 approaches, Citroën Racing is set to make its debut in the all-electric racing series. The French team, which has a rich history in rally racing, rallycross, and touring cars, is taking a fresh step into the unknown with its entry into open-wheel single-seaters. Citroën will be taking over from fellow Stellantis entry Maserati, but with a new powertrain, car, and environment, the team faces a steep learning curve.
Team principal Cyril Blais, who previously served as team principal for Maserati, brings valuable experience and understanding of the Formula E setup. Blais has a strong background in the series, having worked as a race engineer for Lucas di Grassi and Maximilian Günther, and later as Deputy Team Principal for Maserati. His experience will be crucial in navigating the uncharted territory of Formula E.
Citroën’s driver lineup is a significant boost to their chances of success. Two-time Formula E champion Jean-Éric Vergne and in-form driver Nick Cassidy form a potent partnership that can compete for championships and titles. Vergne’s success in Formula E is unmistakable, with two championships and a wealth of experience racing across several generations of Formula E machinery. Cassidy, meanwhile, is the form man in Formula E, with a string of impressive performances in Season 11, including three consecutive wins.
During pre-season testing, Citroën faced minimal issues, with Cassidy featuring regularly in the top 10 and Vergne working on fine-tuning the car. The team’s women’s test driver, Tatiana Calderón, set the seventh quickest time, banking in a total of 97 laps during the day’s testing.
Despite being a new team, Citroën is expected to make a strong impression in their debut season. A bold prediction would be for the team to win at least two Formula E races, with a win apiece for Cassidy and Vergne. The team is expected to finish in the top five in their first Formula E campaign, with both drivers pulling their weight to boost the team’s season. Vergne is also expected to continue his record of finishing in the top 10 in every Formula E season.
Citroën’s predecessor, Maserati, had a turbulent Season 11, with a bid to take over the entry collapsing and the team facing difficulties in finding external partners and sponsors. The team had a reboot in Season 11, with Stoffel Vandoorne and Jake Hughes driving, but ultimately finished ninth in the standings.
Overall, Citroën’s entry into Formula E is an exciting development for the series, and the team’s strong driver lineup and experienced team principal make them a formidable contender. While it may take some time for the team to settle in, Citroën is expected to make a strong impression in their debut season and lay the foundation for future success in Formula E.