Mercedes-Benz takes up option for season six

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German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to enter Formula E in the 2019/20 season after extending its initial option to join in season five to now fully join in season six a year later.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Formula E, said of the announcement: “Today is a great day as we welcome Mercedes to the Formula E family – adding to the increasing number of manufacturers joining the electric revolution.

“This shows how much the world is changing, not only in motorsport, but the whole automotive industry. We’re witnessing a transformation that will first change our cities, and then our roads. Formula E is the championship that embodies that change, and together with all our teams and manufacturers we’ll keep pushing for technologies, to have better and more affordable electric cars.”

Mercedes motorsport boss, Toto Wolff confirmed that the outfit will indeed leave DTM after the 2018 season and focus its efforts on its new adventure into Formula E.

“Our years in the DTM will always be held high as a major chapter in the motorsport history of Mercedes,” said Wolff.

“I want to thank every team member whose fantastic work has helped to make Mercedes-Benz the most successful DTM manufacturer during that time.

“Although leaving is tough for all of us, we will be doing everything during this season and next to make sure we win as many DTM titles as possible before we go. We owe that to our fans and to ourselves.”

FIA President Jean Todt also expressed his happiness in seeing Mercedes join the Formula E grid, stating: “I’m very happy to see yet another manufacturer committing to the FIA Formula E Championship.

“Mercedes-Benz has been competing in motorsport since the very beginning, and in joining this newest chapter of racing history – Formula E – it shows that the vision and concept of the championship is aligned with how manufacturers want to develop electric vehicle technologies, and bring these innovations to audiences around the world.”

The announcement brings another major car manufacturer into the series alongside the likes of Audi, Citroen, Mahindra and previous latest addition Jaguar Land Rover.

Jordan Peacock | e-racing.net

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Images courtesy of Rajan Jangda

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