BMW to launch own FE manufacturer team

BMW has officially registered its own manufacturer team with Formula E for the series' fifth season.

Having partnered with the Andretti Formula E team this season, BMW registered and was accepted by the FIA. The German manufacturer cites long-term global motorsport strategy as it shifts to its own factory works team.

"Since its inaugural season, Formula E has enjoyed rapid development and is now regarded as a high-level racing series," BMW motorsport director Jens Marquardt said. "BMWi 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 5. This required our registration as a manufacturer. This was completed by the required deadline."

The 2018-19 season will mark the debut of the redesigned Formula E chassis from Spark Racing Technology and a new standard battery from McLaren Applied Technologies – meaning the mid-race car change won't be necessary.

As the official vehicle partner, BMWi supplies the BMW i8 safety car, the i3 medical car and race director car and the X5 xDrive40e rescue/extrication car.