After a promising pre-season testing in Valencia, Citroën Racing is set to make its Formula E debut at the 2025 Google Cloud São Paulo E-Prix season opener.
The 2.933 km São Paulo Street Track features 11 turns, long straights, and technical braking zones, offering the team a perfect Round 1 challenge to kick off the 2025/26 season.
Citroën’s CEO delighted about FE debut
Ahead of Citroën’s Formula E debut, the French brand’s CEO, Xavier Chardon, said: “This is Citroën’s first participation in a World Championship with a factory program since 2019, and I am very proud of this return. We like to be where nobody expects us, and as we saw from the feedback of our announcement, nobody expected this move to Formula E for Citroën. The whole brand around the world is behind this project.”
Citroën has previously dominated the World Rally Championship, FIA World Touring Car Championship, and the FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup, and are now embracing the world of electric single-seater cars.
Chardon continued: “Citroën Brazil invites many clients to the track, and we are excited to present to the public our most playful car, the Citroën Ami during a demonstration lap before the race. This is the last step before the competition starts: We have a great team and certainly two of the most exciting drivers on the grid. The intense phase of preparation is over, and the first race is finally here. I have full confidence in the team and I am delighted that we are finally at the 2025 Sao Paulo E-Prix”.
Blais: “very proud moment”
Citroën Racing Formula E Team Principal, Cyril Blais, who previously led the team during its Maserati MSG Racing campaign, shared: “Although the track layout remains unchanged since our last visit, our team certainly hasn’t, and lining up in São Paulo for Citroën’s first Formula E race will be a very proud moment for all of us.”
Blais further reflected on the challenges of last year’s race and the demands of the circuit: “Last year’s race was eventful with a red flag and two safety cars, so we know how quickly things can evolve here. It’s a highly technical circuit where brake management will play a decisive role in both qualifying and the race. The surface is extremely bumpy with a mix of slow corners and long, fast straights, making it a true ‘stop-and-go’ challenge that also puts traction management at a premium.”
“Temperatures can run high too, but that’s the same for everyone, as always, our focus is on being smart and keeping the car in its optimal performance window when it matters most. We feel we’ve taken a clear step forward compared to this time last year, and the team is quietly confident. We’re ready to start this season with a solid, exciting result.”
Cassidy aiming for a podium
After leading the team during pre-season testing, where he achieved a best result of P6, Nick Cassidy shared his excitement to start the season in São Paulo. “I’m really looking forward to starting the season in São Paulo. It’s a privilege to represent Citroën as they take their first steps into single-seater racing, and I’m proud to be doing that alongside JEV. We’re eager to see where we stand once we hit the track. It’s a long season and this is only the first chapter, but it’s always exciting to get things underway,” he said.
“The atmosphere in Brazil is honestly one of the best on the calendar, and it’s a place that holds great memories for me — including a podium here in Season 9,” he said, reflecting on his P2 finish with Envision Racing before setting his Säo Paulo goal: “That’s something I’ll be aiming to repeat this weekend.”
Vergne: “I have full trust in the team”
Teammate Jean-Eric Vergne, who joined Ciroën after racing with DS Penske expressed his joy for the new season and partnership. “I can’t wait to get the season underway with my new team and my new teammate, Nick. We’ve been preparing for months, but nothing compares to being out on track and experiencing the race itself to see where we truly stand. I think we’ve done everything we could in the lead-up, the break has been good, and now I’m simply ready to get back to racing,” he said.
Vergne also praised the São Paulo circuit: “São Paulo is a great track with plenty of overtaking opportunities, and the races here are always lively. We want to start the season on a strong note, and our aim is to fight for the podium and for victory. It’s the first race for many of us working together in this new structure, so building that strong team spirit also will be important. I have full trust in the team.”
