Mercedes EQ Formula E Team partners with SAP 

The Mercedes EQ Formula E Team has named German software giant SAP as its official business performance partner ahead of its planned entry into the all-electric series for 2019.

While finer details of the deal have not been disclosed, SAP said the “long-term” partnership will “drive the co-innovation of new technology” with Mercedes, helping the German manufacturer prepare for its maiden campaign in season six (2019-2020).

"We are delighted to announce SAP as the first Principal Partner of our new Mercedes EQ Formula E Team," head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Toto Wolff said. 

“Although we are still 18 months away from our first race, this new agreement demonstrates the commercial potential of the series.

“[It] gives us a strong basis from which to begin our next phase of technical and sporting preparations for the Season 6 entry.  

“This agreement will combine traditional brand value with the use of innovative technologies that will contribute meaningfully to our on-track performance.”

The news follows Mercedes’ confirmation of its official entry name last week, in which it revealed how its multiple championship-winning F1 outfit will provide support to its Formula E team by developing its Formula E powertrain at its high-performance Brixworth technology centre. 

SAP and Mercedes engineers will use SAP HANA® to develop engineering solutions to help them analyse data collected from their Formula E cars, as well as monitoring their overall performance and providing back-office solutions. 

"SAP's focus on sustainability is an integral part of our vision and purpose to help the world run better and improve people's lives,” Bernd Leukert, SAP’s executive board member for products and innovation, explained. 

“Sustainable mobility is an important step on our way to carbon neutrality. Therefore, we aim for twenty percent electric cars in SAP's car fleet by 2020 and to drive innovative IT solutions connected to e-mobility.

“We look forward to integrating SAP technology innovations in the new Mercedes EQ Formula E racing car. Mercedes-Benz and SAP both aim to create a more sustainable future for our customers, partners, and society with the help of new digital technologies.”