News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Jean-Eric Vergne has warned that DS Techeetah are even stronger than last year as he chases a hat-trick of Formula E championships.

But Vergne, who won his second straight title in the final race of last season, is wary of the increased competition this year.

Mercedes and Porsche joined the competition for the first time on Tuesday as pre-season testing got underway in Valencia, one month ahead of the season opener in Saudi Arabia.

Vergne finished the opening day fifth on the timesheet but was just two tenths of a second behind Britain’s Sam Bird, who topped the times for Virgin.

“Preparations have been going well so far, I would say better than last year,” Vergne said.

(Image: Formula E)

“We have a better understanding of the car and the direction that we want to go.

“We are going very well, the times are tight but here in Valencia it is not a Formula E track so they don't really represent the teams.

“But I am pleased with how the team has been doing during the break.

“There is a target on my back, therefore I feel I am the one to beat and we will see how it goes.”

Mercedes’ and Porsche’s debut season in Formula E is a statement for the progress of the brand, as all four major German manufacturers - alongside BMW and Audi - will compete against each other for the first time in history.

(Image: USA TODAY Sports)

But Mercedes have potentially brought with them another secret weapon in rookie driver Nyck De Vries, the recently-crowned F2 champion.

De Vries, 24, followed in the footsteps of Charles Leclerc and George Russell in taking gold in F2 - but has instead opted to join Formula E instead of moving into the crowded F1 field.

Vergne believes that it is a statement for the future of electric racing to attract a driver who is no doubt talented enough for F1.

He said: “I think it is amazing to have the Formula 2 champion coming into Formula E, it is a big step.

(Image: Getty Images)

“In the past Formula 2 drivers and GP2 drivers that win the championship used to go to Formula One.

“But to enter the championship was definitely the right move.

“It is a signal of intent for the young drivers that there is not only Formula One.”