Audi is going to intensify its future commitment in the world's first racing series for fully-electric race cars. Starting in the 2016/2017 season that opens in Hong Kong on 9th October, Audi will increase its involvement in Formula E Team ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport. In addition, it is planned to incorporate Formula E into a factory-backed motorsport programme as of the 2017/2018 season.
"Electric mobility is one of the key topics in our industry," says Dr. Stefan Knirsch, Member of the Board of Management, Technical Development, Audi AG. "We intend to evolve into one of the leading premium car manufacturers in this field. By 2025, every fourth Audi should be an electric vehicle."
He adds, "The first model for this is planned to be a sport utility vehicle we're going to present in 2018. In light of these plans, adapting our motorsport programme and taking up a commitment in a fully electric racing series is only a logical move."
Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich said, "Audi has consistently been using motorsport to test and develop new technologies further for subsequent use in production. With quattro drive we revolutionised rally racing and subsequently set standards in circuit racing as well."
