Mercedes-Benz Might Opt To Enter Formula E Championship In Season Five

By Ameya Naik

1 mins read

Published on October 4, 2016

Highlights

Mercedes have taken an option to enter the FIA Formula E Championship
Mercedes may enter Formula E from the 2018/19 season
The current format of two cars per driver will change soon

Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd and Formula E Operations Ltd have signed an agreement by which Mercedes have taken an option to enter the FIA Formula E Championship in season five. As per the option agreement, Mercedes may choose to be one of the maximum of 12 entries to be proposed by the championship promoter to the FIA to enter from the 2018/19 season. Mercedes could take one of the two new entries that will be allocated in season five - subject to approval of the FIA - when the all-electric racing series goes from the current format of two cars per driver, to a single car for the entire event. The change in format will see more technology pouring into this racing series and it'll be great to see the participation going up. Jaguar has already kick started its innings in the Formula E Championship and Mercedes' interest will only add to the existing competition. Mercedes is already reigning supreme in this season of Formula One, which is why it's looking to conquer all the mountains. The current 10 teams in Formula E are all expected to continue in season five and beyond in their existing format, or joining forces with other OEM's. Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E, said: "Having the chance to include a brand like Mercedes in our championship in the future would be a major boost to achieve that objective. Formula E is becoming an exciting mix of consolidated manufacturers like Renault, Citroen-DS, Audi, Mahindra or Jaguar, and new futuristic brands like Faraday Future, NextEV, or the likes of major component manufacturers like Schaeffler and ZF. Mercedes would be a great addition to that growing line-up." Mercedes EQ Concept Car Mind you, this announcement comes soon after Mercedes revealed its all-electric sub-brand EQ at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The approach then is simple, as we've seen with Formula One; technology used in race cars will trickle down to the production vehicles and this is without doubt a brilliant move by Mercedes. Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, said: "We have been watching the growth of Formula E with great interest. At the current time, we are looking at all the options available in the future of motor racing, and we are very pleased with an agreement that secures us an opportunity to enter the series in season five. Electrification will play a major role in the future of the automotive industry - racing has always been a technology R&D platform for the motor industry, and this will make Formula E very relevant in the future."