Mercedes-Benz is the latest manufacturer to enter all-electric Formula E
German carmaker is ditching its iconic DTM team to move to all-electric race series
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that it will compete in Formula E in the 2019/20 season, and will also pull out of the DTM series at the end of next year.
Mercedes has been a core competitor in the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) – Germany’s primary touring car championship – since the series’ relaunch in 2000. Prior to this, the German manufacturer participated in the DTM’s predecessor, the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, since 1988.
The German manufacturer will continue to compete in Formula 1, though, which it described as the “pinnacle of motorsport” in a statement.
Dr Jens Thiemer, vice-president of marketing at Mercedes-Benz, said: “Mercedes-Benz will market future battery-powered electric vehicles using the EQ label.
“Formula E is a significant step in order to demonstrate the performance of our attractive battery-powered electric vehicles, as well as giving an emotional spin to our EQ technology brand through motorsport and marketing.”
Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, said: “In motorsport, like in every other area, we want to be the benchmark in the premium segment and to explore innovative new projects. The combination of Formula 1 and Formula E delivers that.
“Formula E is like an exciting start-up venture: it offers a brand new format, combining racing with a strong event character, in order to promote current and future technologies.”
During its time competing in the DTM, Mercedes has taken part in 26 racing seasons, winning 10 drivers’, 13 team and six manufacturer titles (DTM and ITC combined).
Wolff commented: “Our years in the DTM will always be held high as a major chapter in the motorsport history of Mercedes.
“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.”
Mercedes-Benz isn’t the only German manufacturer to move into Formula E. Late last year, Audi confirmed that it would quit Le Mans to focus on the electric race series, while Porsche is reportedly considering entering Formula E in 2018.
