Audi is to establish a factory team in Formula E from the 2017/18 season. Meanwhile, from the 2016 season, the car maker will increase its technical and financial support for Team ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport.
Stefan Knirsch, member of the board of management, technical development, Audi, commented, “We intend to evolve into one of the leading premium car manufacturers in electrification. By 2025, every fourth Audi should be an electric vehicle. The first model for this is planned to be an SUV, which we’re going to present in 2018. In the light of these plans, adapting our motorsport program in this fully electric racing series is a logical move.”
Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, said, “Audi has consistently been using motorsport to test and develop new technologies further for subsequent use in production. With quattro drive we revolutionized 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. 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.”
The drivers of Team ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport are Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi who are now tackling their third joint Formula E season as teammates.
September 14, 2016