Formula E appetite “growing on a yearly basis”, says Alberto Longo

All-electric series’ chief championship officer hails additions to next season’s grid.
  • Mercedes-EQ, BMW and Audi will have all left the series after current season
  • Maserati, McLaren and Abt onboard for 2022/23 campaign

Formula E co-founder and chief championship officer Alberto Longo has said the all-electric series’ ability to replace exiting teams shows that “the appetite for Formula E is growing”.

By the end of this season, Audi, BMW and Mercedes will have all left the series within the space of a year. The loss of big manufacturers cast doubt over the short-term future and viability of Formula E.

However, the series is set to begin its 2022/23 campaign with an additional team compared to this year.

Speaking to select media on 10th August, Longo said: “I don’t think we have bounced back. I think we have always been strong. When those manufacturers were leaving, we all know manufacturers have their cycle and they come and go in motorsport.”

Next season will see British motorsport outfit McLaren line up on the Formula E grid after acquiring the Mercedes-EQ team, while Abt are returning to the series and filling the hole left by former partner Audi.

Andretti, meanwhile, will be taking full control of the BMW team they ran operationally anyway, and Maserati step back into motorsport in partnership with the Venturi Racing team.

Nissan have also decided to take full control of the E.Dams team they previously partnered with ahead of the new ‘Gen3’ regulations.

“That’s what we are feeling so proud of,” continued Longo. “In one year, two or three big names left, and two or three big names came the year after.

“It is very important that whenever someone leaves, there is an adequate replacement. I think the appetite for Formula E is growing on a yearly basis.”

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