Formula E has confirmed its entry list and updated sporting regulations ahead of its fourth season, set to begin in Hong Kong on December 2.
The all-electric series will once again boast a 10-strong grid for season four, with the same outfits that took part in the 2016/17 campaign returning.
The entered teams for 2017/18 are as follows:
- Andretti Formula E
- Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler
- Dragon Racing
- DS Virgin Racing
- Mahindra Racing
- NIO Formula E Team
- Panasonic Jaguar Racing
- Renault e.dams
- TECHEETAH
- Venturi Formula E Team
While on the face of things it is the same as last year’s entry list, there have been three subtle team name changes.
Firstly, ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport is now known as Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler, reflecting the works backing the team now receives from German manufacturer Audi.
Secondly, NextEV NIO has dropped the ‘NextEV’ portion of its name, reflecting a wider rebrand within its company that was first present in Formula E in Buenos Aires when a new livery appeared.
Last but not least, Dragon Racing has dropped EV manufacturer Faraday Future from its name, having raced last year as ‘Faraday Future Dragon Racing’.
The move comes amid much uncertainty surrounding the future of Faraday Future, but a spokesperson from the company confirmed to NBC Sports that the nature of its relationship with Dragon has not changed.
“Faraday Future continues to maintain its partnership with Dragon Racing in the FIA Formula E Championship,” the confirmation read.
“We continue to honor our commitments as evidenced by our testing for Season 4 in the past few weeks.”
Formula E also confirmed the updates within its sporting regulations, with the following being the most notable changes:
- Any driver who is not classified in the top ten positions at the end of the race will not be eligible for the point awarded for fastest lap.
- Elimination of a non-qualifying session when two races take place during the same event.
- Increase in the number of promotional days from 3 to 6 days per team with a maximum of 3 days on circuit, to promote roadshows.
- Addition of a practice session day during the season and a practice session day reserved for rookies.
- Increase of power during the race from 170 kW to 180 kW.
Formula E will embark on a 14-race schedule for season four, with new events in Santiago, Sao Paulo and Rome confirmed as well as two TBA venues, one of which is understood to be Munich in Germany.