BMW joins Formula E as official manufacturer

©FormulaE

BMW has confirmed that it will join Formula E as an official manufacturer in the all-electric series' fifth season, in association with Andretti.

The German car-maker is looking to leverage its involvement in Formula E to help develop and test technology used in the next generation of its electric cars.

BMW will build and supply a brand new powertrain to Andretti for the 2018/19 season.

BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt said: "Formula E has developed fantastically as a racing series and, as a new, technology-based project, is perfectly suited to the BMW Group and BMW Motorsport.

"Forging new paths and driving innovation – these are values shared by BMW and Formula E.

"The series represents a completely new challenge for us – a challenge we are happy to take on together with Andretti Formula E. Andretti is the ideal partner for this mission.

"The name needs no introduction in international motor racing. Our cooperation is already working very well, and we look forward to taking the next steps together."

Gasly stands in for Buemi at New York ePrix

The announcement also takes the BMW and Andretti partnership, initiated in Season 2, to a new level.

"We are excited to expand our partnership with BMW i and serve as BMW’s official Formula E works team beginning in Season 5,” said Michael Andretti, CEO of Andretti Autosport and its global family of race teams.

"“The ongoing collaboration between BMW and Andretti Formula E has provided a strong foundation for BMW’s entry as an official manufacturer.

"We look forward to running BMW’s first all-electric racing drivetrain and competing for the Formula E Championship. BMW is leading the automotive future with the BMW i line and their innovation in electric car technology.

" I couldn’t pick a more prestigious or historic manufacturer to work with in Formula E."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.