Buemi and Prost confirmed for season 3 at Renault e.dams

As the 2015-2016 Formula E season enters a decisive phase, the teams are already looking towards the future.

A few hours after the official announcement of the contract extension of rival Lucas di Grassi at Abt Schaeffler Audi Sport, the Renault e.dams team indicated that it would rely on its same pair of drivers for the third season of the 100% electric discipline.

Main reason for this decision, Jean-Paul Driot wants to rely on a partnership he knows like the back of his hand:

Each year, our targets are higher: stability is therefore a key to success. Indeed, the Renault e.dams team

Can boast of being one of the two teams, along with team ABT, not to have changed their lineup even once since the very first ePrix in Beijing in September 2014.

As such, although Nico Prost generally performs a notch below Sébastien Buemi, this pair is currently the most balanced in the field, and is on track to bring home the constructors’ title once again.

« However, we have not sacrificed performance on the altar of continuity. Sébastien and Nicolas make up the best driver duo in the championship. They work very well together, showing speed, professionalism, and technical commitment. This allows us to get the most out of our Renault Z.E.15 car. After making this announcement, we will be able to focus on our current goals, namely winning both championships, » asserted Jean-Paul Driot with conviction.

Indeed, although at the top of the constructor’s standings, it is mainly about hunting down a prey that seems increasingly swift. Lucas di Grassi has dominated the drivers’ championship since the Mexico round. But Alain Prost has confidence in both Buemi and his own son to get the job done:

« Some decisions are difficult to make, while others are obvious. We are definitely in the latter case. Sébastien has demonstrated his speed on multiple occasions. With two wins this season, he is once again fighting for the title. Nicolas shows consistency with a series of solid results. This continuity will allow us to finish the year strong and to consider an even more fruitful third season. »

Among the drivers, it’s obviously a time for satisfaction. Sébastien Buemi will be able to drive a little more lightheartedly through the streets of Berlin:

« Knowing that I will continue with Renault e.dams next year is an additional motivation at this stage of the season »

A much-needed motivation to go after the formidable Lucas di Grassi, who remains on his series of three consecutive victories on the track:

« I am focused on winning the championship. Knowing that I will be able to defend a possible title is very motivating. We are in a good dynamic, with a united team, strong support from Renault, and a complementarity between Nicolas and me. At a time when the championship continues its strong growth, maintaining this combination is very positive for everyone. »

Not very lively since the beginning of the season with only a modest podium to his name, Nico Prost is nevertheless pleased to continue with the team co-owned by his father.

« It goes without saying that Renault e.dams is among the top teams in Formula E »

« The technical investment of Renault e.dams is working extremely well, and we have one of the fastest cars on the grid, if not the fastest. I am certain that we will manage to continue in this way next season, and I am delighted to be able to continue with the team for a third year. »

The timing of this news seems very well chosen by Jean-Paul Driot and his team.

Associated with the DAMS structure, the Renault brand continues to believe in Formula E.

According to Vincent Gaillardot, Renault Sport project manager: Formula E is the ideal platform for Renault to accelerate the development of electric vehicles in order to stay at the forefront of this sector.

Thus, Renault must also shine this weekend in Berlin for commercial reasons. As the leader of the European electric car market, sales in Germany account for 25% of the total for the diamond-shaped company in this sector!

For Buemi and Prost, it will also be necessary to win to promote the image of the production car, the 100% electric Renault ZOE.