Title rivals expect Jose Maria Lopez to fight for the title

Formula E rivals Sebastien Buemi and Lucas di Grassi believe that Jose Maria Lopez will be a major force when he joins the championship next year.

The Argentinian, who has won the last two World Touring Car Championship crowns and currently leads this year's championship, will move to the all-electric series with DS Virgin Racing when Citroen withdraw from the WTCC at the end of the year.

Speaking to Autosport, the 2015/16 season rivals said that they expect Lopez to be a strong opponent in the coming season.

"I think they can fight for the title," Buemi said. "The team [DS Virgin Racing] was good this season and last season with [Lopez's new team-mate Sam] Bird and I expect them to be good next season."

"He will need a couple of races to adapt properly. It's different compared to testing on your own but he won't struggle for more than two races."

di Grassi agreed, saying: "to have a world champion come in is always good news".

"I rate him very highly," said the Brazilian. "He's a very good addition to the championship, especially as we have a race in Argentina - he's famous there, the best Argentinian driver in the world."

"He's very experienced and he's in the prime of his career. He will be competitive, and will learn quickly."