MOTORSPORT: Mercedes dumps DTM for Formula E future

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it will enter Formula E in 2019. But in a shock move, it is at the expense of German Touring Cars (DTM).

The move was announced overnight. In what was called a "strategic repositioning" of its motorsport activities, the company will exit DTM at the end of 2018 and enter Formula E as a manufacturer in the 2019/20 season.

Mercedes-Benz has been the lynchpin of the DTM formula. Its departure leaves BMW and Audi as the only participants. Ominously, both BMW and Audi have also committed to the electric open-wheel formula. Other brands in Formula E include Jaguar and Renault.

"Our years in the DTM will always be held high as a major chapter in the motorsport history of Mercedes," the brand's motorsport chief, Toto Wolff, stated.

"Although leaving is tough for all of us, we will be doing everything during this season and next to make sure we win as many DTM titles as possible before we go. We owe that to our fans and to ourselves."

"We look back with pride on the commitment of our teams, drivers, partners and the many people behind the scenes, who so often made the [DTM] series a fascinating platform for our customers and for fans of our brand," Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars Dr Jens Thiemer stated.

"It is now time to start on a new path," he said.

Mercedes-Benz has not participated in Formula E to date. Like BMW, however, the move by the formula to higher performance one-car races (previously the races were completed in two cars) and manufacturer-specific EV powertrains appears to have precipitated the move.

Thiemer stated: "Formula E is a significant step in order to demonstrate the performance of our attractive battery powered electric vehicles under the EQ technology brand... As well as giving an emotional spin to our EQ technology brand through motorsport and marketing."

Wolff confirmed Mercedes commitment to Formula 1 but said Formula E "reflects a rapidly changing automotive landscape".

"Formula E is like an exciting start-up venture: it offers a brand new format, combining racing with a strong event character... Electrification is happening in the road car world and Formula E offers manufacturers an interesting platform to bring this technology to a new audience.

"I am pleased that we were able to extend our entry option for one year to the 2019/20 season. This gives us time to properly understand the series and to prepare for our entry in the right way," Wolff stated.