Audi is planning to run its own factory-backed Formula E team for the 2017-2018 season.
The all-electric racing series is garnering more attention from automakers worldwide, with Volvo recently also showing interest in joining Formula E. But now Audi has further committed to the series by increasing its involvement with the ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport Formula E team for the 2016-2017 season. It will then progress into a factory-backed motorsport program for the 2017-2018 season.
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Audi Sport has been involved with Formula E since the first 2014-2015 season, making Lucas di Grassi one of its factory drivers available throughout the course of the cooperation with ABT Schaeffler. For next season, Audi will offer financial and technical support to ABT Schaeffler, while it works towards a fully fledged factory commitment with the team for the 2017-2018 season.
Starting immediately, the Audi four rings will be prominently displayed on the sides and the rear wings of the ABT Schaeffler FE02. The race cars will be sporting their new liveries on the race track for the first time at Donington Park in the U.K. next week, where the final test will be held before the season starts in Hong Kong.
