Audi to intensify involvement in Formula E
News
5 Sep 2016
Audi has announced plans to intensify its future commitment to the Formula E championship by increasing its involvement with the ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport team.
Since 2014/15 Audi has been giving its name to the team, as well as providing access to Audi Sport’s infrastructure in Neuburg. Starting in the 2016/17 season, Audi will intensify the partnership by offering greater financial and technical support, working towards a fully-fledged factory commitment by 2017/18.
The increased commitment will be signalled by Audi’s four ring logo prominently featured of the sides and rear wings of the ABT Schaeffler FE02, which will be visible for final tests before the start of the season in Hong Kong on 9 October.
Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi Motorsport, said: “Audi has consistently been using motorsport to test and develop new technologies further for subsequent use in production. With quattro drive we revolutionised rally racing and subsequently set standards in circuit racing as well. In the 24 hours of Le Mans, Audi was the first manufacturer to have achieved victories with a TFSI engine, a TDI and a hybrid race car, so writing motorsport history on several occasions. Now we intend to repeat this in fully electric racing. Formula E with its races being held in the hearts of major cities is an ideal stage for this purpose and Team ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport a logical partner for us.”
Dr. Stefan Knirsch, member of the board of management, technical development, Audi AG, added: “Electric mobility is one of the key topics in our industry. We intend to evolve into one of the leading premium car manufacturers in this field. By 2025, every fourth Audi should be an electric vehicle. The first model for this is planned to be an SUV we’re going to present in 2018. In the light of these plans, adapting our motorsport program and taking up a commitment in a fully electric racing series is only a logical move.”
