Car swaps deter BMW from Formula E entry

BMW has ruled out an entry into the Formula E Championship in the short term. The German manufacturer, which has an ongoing deal to supply course vehicles to FE, has no interest in joining the series while the practice of drivers swapping cars mid-race remains, BMW Motorsport boss Jens Marquardt has explained.

"An issue that needs to be addressed is the change of car," said Marquardt, who stated that the end of two-car races "would be a condition for our potential direct involvement. If you look at public discussions of electric mobility, the issue of reach is very important."

The technology road map laid out for FE calls for the mid-race change of car to come to an end in season five in 2018-'19, but Marquardt said that he did not know if it was "set in stone."

FIA president Jean Todt has expressed the view that the shift away from car swapping should be brought forward.

Renault, which is partnered with the e.dams team, and Citroen's DS sub-brand, which has joined forces with Virgin Racing for season two in 2015-'16, are so far the only major carmakers with a direct involvement in FE.

Originally on Autosport.com