After dipping its toe in the FIA Formula E Championship waters in a technical partnership with MS Amlin Andretti, BMW has confirmed it will be a full works entry from the series’ fifth season of 2018-2019, as part of BMW’s overall motorsport program.
The German manufacturer will enter the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2018 with a new GTE entry and will then see this program come online later in the same year. BMW AG was confirmed a little more than a week ago as one of nine homologated manufacturers for the fifth season of Formula E, when the series is expected to make its largest technological gains, yet.
“Since its inaugural season, Formula E has enjoyed rapid development and is now regarded as a high-level racing series,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.
“BMW i has contributed actively as Official Vehicle Partner from the word go and has left its mark on the series. Other manufacturers have now followed suit.
“Everyone involved is delighted to be taking steps to get involved on the sporting and technological side of Formula E. Planning is underway to compete with a works team in season five. This required our registration as a manufacturer. This was completed by the required deadline.”
As noted, BMW i has been involved with Formula E since the series’ inception as the Official Vehicle Partner. In September last year, it formally confirmed its technical partnership with Andretti Autosport.