BMW Eyes Formula E Participation In 2018

The FIA Formula E started in 2014 with the goal of quickly developing the car propulsion technology of the future through racing. BMW has been a part of the all-electric racing series since its inception, providing two 'i' division models - the i8 sportscar and the i3 city car - as the official Safety Car and the Medical/Race Director Car respectively. Additionally, a BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid is also used as the official Rescue/Extraction Car.

In the 2016-17 season, BMW had extended its presence in the series by teaming up with MS Amlin Andretti. For now, the brand is co-developing the Andretti ATEC-02 powertrain that powers the Andretti Formula E car. BMW had also loaned its contracted driver, Antonio Felix da Costa, to drive for the Andretti team this season. 

All this is in preparation for a future participation in the series as a complete factory team. Also, BMW must be hoping that the technology and rules would have improved by the time the 2018-19 season begins. The company has already registered its interest to compete as a manufacturer in the series, with the FIA accepting the same. BMW has also stated that it has begun work on its own powertrain and components at the BMW Motorsport headquarters in Munich.

Formula E will be a good platform for the company to showcase its BMW i and BMW Motorsport divisions, and will also help it speed up the development of its future road-going products. BMW might face stiff competition by the time it joins the sport too. Currently Audi, Citroen, Renault, Mahindra (yay!) and Jaguar are already a part of the sport with electric-only car manufacturers like Venturi, NextEV NIO and Farady Future also in the fray. Mercedes-Benz and Nissan are also reportedly looking at participating in the series by 2019.

The 2016-17 season of the Formula E is currently underway with three of the 12 planned races already completed. Defending champion Sebastien Buemi is leading the championship for Renault e.Dams, followed by Lucas di Grassi for ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport and Nicolas Prost for Renault e.Dams. Team standings - 1. Renault e.Dams, 2. ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport, 3. Mahindra Racing.