BMW join hands with America-based Andretti Autosport team for FIA Formula E Championship. Formula E is a class of auto racing that uses only electric-powered cars. BMW will initially only collaborate closely with Andretti, to familiarise itself with processes and intensifying their knowledge in this innovative electric racing series, and to check the possibility of a factory work involvement in the future.
BMW becomes the latest car manufacturer to take the initiative in the electric motorsport as it joins car makers like Jaguar which is debuting this year, Renault, Audi, Citroen DS and India’s Mahindra being a part of it already. BMW i still is the ‘Official Vehicle Partner’ of the FIA Formula E Championship since the first season of the series in 2014-15. The BMW i8 Safety Car in Formula E is a high-performance and efficient safety car whereas the fully-electric BMW i3 is the Medical Car. BMW is also considering expanding its range of electric vehicles to include models like the 3 Series and X4.
The Andretti team’s cooperation with BMW is initially set to run for the next two seasons and integrates teams at the engineer level and the mutual use of resources. Depending on the general development of the racing series, a factory works involvement is anticipated as of the series’ fifth season in 2018-2019.
BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt also sees the automobile racing activities as an extremely positive development, he said: “It is fantastic that the BMW Group will be even more broadly positioned and represented in all relevant areas in the future. The commitment in Formula E sees us forge new paths and demonstrate our expertise in the field of electric mobility. Over the coming years, the cooperation with Andretti Formula E will primarily focus on familiarising ourselves with the procedures and processes, and on intensifying our knowledge. A works involvement is then conceivable as of the series’ fifth season. The premise for all these steps is the further positive development of the series, which includes increasing the capacity of the batteries, for example.”
“I'm really excited to announce this partnership with BMW," said Andretti Formula E Team Owner Michael Andretti. "BMW's commitment to Formula E and their leadership position in electric mobility is going to have a significant impact on the success of our team and the MS Amlin Andretti race program. We are looking forward to building upon this collaboration and alignment with BMW in support of their objectives and new motorsport strategy."
The third season of Formula E Championship will commence from October 9 in Hong Kong, followed by 12 rounds at 10 different venues around the globe.
