Buemi expects big things from WTCC ace López

Recently-crowned FIA Formula E champion Sébastien Buemi reckons José María López can prevent him from taking back-to-back titles when he contests season three of the electric racing series.

López, who is on course to win his third FIA World Touring Car Championship in 2016 with Citroën, has chosen Formula E for his next challenge after signing for the DS Virgin team. And Buemi admits López has what it takes to strike gold when he changes disciplines.

“I have known José María for a few years and I know what a good driver he is,” said Buemi. “In the end he is a champion, so he will have no problem to adapt. Okay, it might take him a few races as Formula E is a bit different from other series, but I am sure that in the end he will be very quickly up to speed.

“As a driver you have to be adaptable and José María is one of these people who has the capacity to do that. It’s possible that he could even be challenging for the championship already in his first year – why not?

Buemi and López will represent rival French manufacturers in Formula E with the Swiss driving for Renault e.dams and López turning out for DS, part of the Citroën family.

“It depends of course [for him] how good the car is, because this is still crucial in any series,” said Buemi. “However, I think now that Formula E is in a really good way and if you look at the number of manufacturers who are involved; then you see that something is working. It’s a championship that people have respect for now.”