Porsche planning initial Formula E testing in early 2019

Porsche has set its sights on hitting the track with a Formula E car for the first time in early 2019 after having its manufacturer status approved by the FIA earlier this week.

Porsche announced last July it would be closing its three-time Le Mans-winning LMP1 programme at the end of 2017 in order to focus on a switch to Formula E, with an entry planned for the series’ sixth season, starting in 2019.

The FIA issued a list of confirmed powertrain manufacturers for Season 6 of Formula E earlier this week, formally approving Porsche’s entry, alongside that of fellow newcomer to the series Mercedes.

Porsche is currently developing its all-electric powertrain for its Formula E programme, with technical chief Andreas Seidl - who previously headed up its LMP1 efforts - outlining a planned first run-out in early 2019.

“The possibilities and performance of electric cars have been a central topic at Porsche for quite a while. The deeper our engineers get into the topic, the more fascinating the solutions become,” Seidl said.

“We can’t wait to receive our first vehicle in early 2019 and to test our own powertrain in it. The Gen2 racer, which was unveiled by Formula E in Geneva in early March, is very well executed.”

Porsche motorsport vice-president Fritz Enzinger added: “Over the past few years, the FIA and Alejandro Agag have done a fantastic job.

“It is due to this development that we will be able to compete on the race track against many of the world’s largest car manufacturers.”

Porsche has committed to investing more than €6 billion in electric mobility before the end of 2022, with its planned ‘Mission E’ concept vehicle due for a market launch next year, coinciding with the marque’s entry to Formula E.