Mercedes has revealed that its Formula E team will be supported by its Formula 1 team when it enters the series in 2019.
A statement from Mercedes said that it would “draw on the combined experience and technical know-how of its motorsport family and successful motor racing pedigree”.
The German giant will enter Formula E for its sixth season under the name Mercedes EQ Formula E Team, with a powertrain developed at its AMG High Performance Powertrains plant in Brixworth, where its F1 engines are currently produced.
It believes that its experience with the Energy Recovery Systems in the current F1 power units will be a key asset when it arrives in the all-electric formula. It would not be the first time Mercedes has transferred its F1 technology, as the Project One hypercar it is developing has an F1-derived engine.
The Formula E team will also be leaning on the Affalterback-based HWA AG for trackside operations. The AMG subdivision has been a key player in Mercedes’ DTM success and for the running of its Formula 3 engines.
HWA is currently a technical partner with Venturi, and will enter Formula E in the 2018/19 season as a Venturi customer to gather information for the works entry.
“The combined know-how of the Mercedes family at Affalterbach, Brixworth and Brackley provides the perfect foundations for our new Mercedes EQ Formula E Team. I cannot imagine a better combination to take on this kind of project,” said Head of Motorsport Toto Wolff.
“Formula E is a unique series with some very specific challenges for its teams. We know the level of competition is extremely high and we will approach the challenge with energy and humility.
“There can be no other approach when we are up against ten competitive manufacturers, many of whom have years of experience in the series.”
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