Jean-Eric Vergne believes the current Gen3 Formula E car is too slow and thinks Hankook should produce a softer tyre.
During pre-season testing in Valencia, there were mixed feelings about the new car and the hard tyres, which Lucas di Grassi says could last for a week.
The Gen3 machine is 60kg lighter and has a higher top speed than its predecessor, with twice as much regen capability.
“I think we’re too slow,” Vergne exclusively told Total-Motorsport.com. “We are fast in a straight line but slow in the corners.
“When you look at the tracks we have been to, we are not faster than the Gen2 car with 100 more kilowatts and less weight on the car.
“We need better tyres. I’m sure Hankook can give us a tyre with a lot more grip. We need more grip, it’s as simple as that.”
Vergne has been in the leading pack during the slipstream-fest races in Sao Paulo and Berlin, reducing his deficit to championship leader Pascal Wehrlein to 19 points.
The DS Penske has suggested changes should be made to the car, in order to decrease the benefit of being behind another car.
“It’s too big [the slipstream],” explained Vergne. “When you look at the last race it was more of a race of cycling.
“Formula E is all about about efficiency so we need to have a better package with less drag. The car is too draggy and whenever you set behind somebody, you haven’t got any resistance.
“It needs an improvement in the aero package. It’s not a big change that needs to happen, it’s doable. It’s up to the FIA and Formula E to do something. I have nothing against this car but this is what I would like to see improve.”
Vergne is the joint-third most experienced Formula E drivers on the grid, having joined the series in the third round of Season 1.
Despite his calls for improvements to the car, he is very positive about the championship as a whole.
“When you look at the paddock and you journalists, there are many people,” added Vergne. “It feels good again, we are on a high and going in the right direction.
“You feel a good atmosphere, a lot of people, everything is great.”
