Stoffel Vandoorne, the 2022 FIA Formula E World Champion and DS Penske driver, recently discussed his performance in Season 10. Vandoorne, who is in his second season with Penske, has shown promise with three points in four races. While he is pleased with the team’s progress, he is focused on further reducing the gap to the leading teams.
“It has been satisfactory, I would say.
“We consistently qualify at the front, which is a positive sign of the progress we made over the winter.
“However, the races have been challenging for us. We have not had the race pace we desire, and there are improvements to be made to compete consistently in the top three. We have many new people in the team, and they are still adapting and incorporating new information. Slowly, we are starting to see the benefits of this.
“We are aware of the steps we need to take, and I hope we can demonstrate that in the upcoming races.”
Penske made a strong statement by hiring Phil Charles as Deputy Team Principal and Team President. Charles, formerly the Technical Manager at Jaguar TCS Racing, is highly respected in the Formula E community. Vandoorne acknowledges that this hiring shows the team’s intention to succeed.
“I’m not sure if this puts a target on us, but it definitely shows the team’s ambition. Hiring someone with experience and success in Formula E is a great move.
“In recent years, DS has faced challenges, while Jaguar and Porsche have been dominant forces. Formula E has become incredibly competitive, and having access to valuable information is crucial. Certainly, people will be watching us, but this is a team effort.
“Each individual on the team, including the drivers, Phil, and other talented individuals, plays a vital role in our journey. We all need to work together towards the same goals, and it will take time to see the results. However, I believe that next season we will be in a position to compete for the World Championship once again.”
This weekend, Formula E is making its debut in Japan, with the Tokyo street circuit generating great excitement. Vandoorne is well prepared for the challenges ahead.
“It’s a historic moment for Formula E to come to Japan. The organizers have worked hard to make this race a reality, and it’s fantastic news. Tokyo is a great city to race in.
“The track itself is extremely challenging, with a mix of tight corners and fast turns. It’s a classic street circuit, reminiscent of the old school. We’ve prepared on the simulator, so we know what to expect. Qualifying will be crucial, although it may not be the most energy-sensitive circuit. From a driver’s perspective, it will be a demanding race. We need to push hard to qualify at the front and avoid issues for a clean race.”
And what are the chances of a successful weekend for Vandoorne and Penske?
“I believe it’s possible. It’s uncertain because it’s new for everyone, so I hope we have prepared adequately. We have a solid understanding of what we need, and if we can maintain the momentum from the last few races, I’m confident we will have a strong performance.”
Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds recently expressed his desire to expand Formula E’s presence in Asia, a continent he described as lacking in motorsport events. Vandoorne enthusiastically welcomes the idea of including Asian races on the calendar, but also hopes for a diverse range of locations.
“In the end, it’s a ‘World Championship’, so our goal is to have global coverage, but it’s fantastic to be back in Asia. We will also have China in a few months, which will be a great addition to the calendar. Our goal is to include races on all continents – maybe Australia could be next!”
The excitement generated by the last race in São Paulo has brought Formula E into the spotlight, with widespread appreciation for the thrilling races and entertainment. Vandoorne is optimistic about the future popularity and recognition of Formula E.
“I really hope so, and I believe that everyone involved in this championship shares that hope. Currently, Formula E doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It’s an incredibly competitive championship, with drivers, engineers, and teams operating at a level comparable to Formula 1.
“Phil is a prime example, having worked in Formula 1 as an engineer at Scuderia Toro Rosso and now leading a Formula E team. Many people underestimate this championship until they become a part of it.
“So I hope that Formula E continues to grow and become a widely loved sport.”
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Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be in advanced negotiations to return to the club where he began his career, Sporting Lisbon. According to sources close to the player, Ronaldo is eager to return to his roots and end his career where it all began.
Ronaldo, 39, left Sporting in 2003 to join Manchester United. Since then, he has had a brilliant career, playing for Real Madrid, Juventus, and most recently, Manchester United again. However, sources suggest that Ronaldo is ready to return to the team that launched him to stardom.
Although negotiations are still ongoing, Sporting fans are excited about the possibility of seeing Ronaldo wearing the green and white shirt again. The return of the idol would be a great boost for the club, both in terms of on-field performance and marketing.
Ronaldo is widely considered one of the greatest football players of all time. His skill, speed, and goal-scoring ability have made him a legend in the sport. His return to Sporting would be an exciting success story for the club’s fans.
Although there is no official confirmation of the agreement yet, it is expected that Ronaldo will sign a two-year contract with Sporting. This would allow him to end his career at the club that launched him to stardom, fulfilling a long-standing wish.
Sporting fans are eager to see Ronaldo in action again at the José Alvalade Stadium. His return would bring a new energy and enthusiasm to the club, and fans are hopeful that this could lead to great achievements in the future.
While Ronaldo is still in good physical shape, it is likely that he will slow down in the coming years. However, his experience and leadership would be invaluable for the younger players at Sporting, who would have the opportunity to learn from one of the best.
As we await official confirmation, Sporting fans are optimistic that they will soon be able to celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the club. It would be a historic moment for Sporting and a dream come true for Ronaldo, who has always expressed his love and gratitude for the club that helped him become the player he is today.
