HWA to join Formula E grid for season five

HWA will boost the number of Formula E teams entered on the 2018-19 grid to 11 after formally confirming its switch to the all-electric series.

The German outfit currently works closely with Formula E challengers Venturi and will step up its operations by entering its own squad into the series from next season, while extending its existing partnership with the Monaco-based squad to supply powertrains for season five.

The official full entry list is set to be confirmed by the FIA in the coming weeks with the series ramping up ahead of its new generation cars which will debut next season.

Ulrich Fritz, HWA AG boss, is already preparing for “extremely tough competition” but having enjoyed unparalleled success in DTM its target is to repeat the feat in Formula E.

“Formula E is a completely new motorsport discipline with extremely tough competition,” Fritz said. “It’s a challenge that we’re very happy to rise to. HWA AG are the most successful team ever in DTM history. Our goal is to continue the company’s success story in Formula E.

“At the same time, Formula E with its unique concept offers a completely new perspective on the future for motorsport. The series is characterised by its innovative pioneering spirit and by its willingness to develop new ways of interacting with the fans.

“The street races in the heart of some of the world’s largest and most important cities open-up many opportunities to appeal to an entirely new audience and to get them fired up for racing and for sustainable technologies of the future.

“In combination with the fierce competition on the racetrack, this is the perfect platform to demonstrate our core competencies on a global stage and to measure ourselves against the best teams.”

Formula E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag is relishing HWA entering the all-electric championship next season as the series continues to attract high-profile teams. BMW will also be joining HWA on the Formula E grid for season five (2018-19) while both Mercedes and Porsche are set to enter the series in season six (2019-20).

“It’s rewarding to see a name so synonymous with racing join the already impressive and growing list of teams and manufacturers competing in Formula E,” Agag said. “They have a proven track record in other categories and will surely push to replicate similar achievements in Formula E as we enter a new era of fully-electric racing.

“I’m glad to welcome Ulrich and HWA AG to the Formula E family. I’m eager to see them hit the track as a customer team later this year.”