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The brains behind Citroen's all-conquering World Rally Championship and World Touring Car Championship machines will be involved in the DS Virgin Formula E programme next year.

Citroen Racing deputy director Xavier Mestelan Pinon, who has been with the French manufacturer since 1995, will assume a head of DS Performance role as of January 1.

Pinon was the technical mastermind behind Citroen's C4 and DS 3 during his time as the WRC team's chassis manager and head of the technical department.

He was also at the forefront of the development of the C-Elysee that has dominated the WTCC for the past two seasons.

Pinon will work with the Formula E team on the season-three powertrain, which includes development of the motor, gearbox, inverter and rear suspension.

The Virgin Formula E tie-up is the DS Automobiles brand's first standalone motorsport project.

Its twin-motor, single-gear Virgin DSV-01 scored its first podium in last month's Putrajaya ePrix with Sam Bird at the wheel.