BMW developing own Formula E powertrain by season five

In the past, BMW has exerted a lot of time and effort in developing powertrains for BMW motorsport and even other teams like McLaren. Right now, BMW is working with the Andretti team to develop an all-electric Formula E powertrain. In season five though, BMW is planning to developing its own BMW-branded electric powertrains.

“We’re working together better and better with Andretti,” said Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director, when speaking with Motorsport.com. “We are learning a lot, which is important for season five, when we want to have our own BMW engine in the car.

“It’s important for Formula E to keep its USP with racing in big cities where the people are” said Marquardt. “The short but exciting programme fits modern life perfectly.”

“Plus you have a lot of interaction with the fans, simulators and virtual stuff. This is where the true potential of Formula E lies, not in going faster and being bigger and greater.” And if the circuits stay tight and small, obviously the speeds can’t go any higher while remaining safe. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. “The point is: The cars cannot be much faster on these kinds of tracks with these safety measures in place. But they don’t have to be faster, I think. In my opinion, the true potential is the virtual sector.”

Here’s to an exciting powertrain line up of Formula E soon!

Source: The Checkered Flag