Mercedes to depart DTM and commit to Formula E!

Mercedes-Benz has announced that it has taken up its entry option into the burgeoning Formula E series for 2019, and will leave the DTM championship at the end of 2018 as a consequence.

"Mercedes-Benz has announced a strategic repositioning of its motorsport activities: the company will conclude its participation in DTM at the end of 2018 and enter Formula E in the 2019/20 season," read a statement from the German manufacturer.

"This new approach will see Mercedes-Benz competing at both ends of the motorsport spectrum: in Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport combining high technology and the most demanding competitive challenge; and in Formula E, which embodies the transformation that is underway in the automotive industry."

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff views Formula E as a brand new form of racing that reflects a rapidly changing automotive landscape.

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"In motorsport like in every other area, we want to be the benchmark in the premium segment and to explore innovative new projects. The combination of Formula 1 and Formula E delivers that," said Toto Wolff, Mercedes' head of motorsport.

"Formula E is like an exciting start-up venture: it offers a brand new format, combining racing with a strong event character, in order to promote current and future technologies.

"Electrification is happening in the road car world and Formula E offers manufacturers an interesting platform to bring this technology to a new audience - and to do so with a completely new kind of racing, different to any other series.

"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."

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