Mercedes F1 team gets behind manufacturer's Formula E effort

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The Mercedes AMG F1 team will lend its support to the German manufacturer's Formula E efforts planned for the series' 2019/20 season.

Mercedes announced last year its entry into the burgeoning all-electric championship, along with its departure at the end of this year from the DTM series.

Slowly but surely, the manufacturer is gearing up for Formula E, allocating resources to its Brixworth engine base for the development of its entry's future electric power train, but Mercedes' Brackley unit will also contribute to the operation.

Mercedes' works partner HWA, the team responsible for the design, development and operations of the manufacturer's DTM cars, will handle the team's trackside operations.

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HWA is currently a technical partner of the Venturi outfit in Formula E but will step up its involvement next season as a customer of the Monaco-based company.

"The combined know-how of the Mercedes family at Affalterbach [HWA], Brixworth and Brackley provides the perfect foundations for our new Mercedes EQ Formula E team, says Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff.

"I cannot imagine a better combination to take on this kind of project. Formula E is a unique series with some very specific challenges for its teams.

"We know the level of competition is extremely high and we will approach the challenge with energy and humility," adds Wolff.

"There can be no other approach when we are up against 10 competitive manufacturers, many of whom have years of experience in the series."

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Mercedes underlines the unique engineering expertise acquired by its Brixworth technology hub since the advent of the hybrid era in F1, and which will benefit its FE endeavor.

"The expertise acquired during the development journey of the current F1 hybrid power unit will form the cornerstone of the Formula E technical project," says Mercedes.

"At the inception of the hybrid power unit, the strategic decision was taken to develop the Energy Recovery System (ERS) as an integrated part of the overall Power Unit.

"This led to rapid in-house learning around both hardware, including the high-power electric motors, and the associated deployment systems which optimise the power delivery of hybrid energy in the racing environment.

"Mercedes has built a world-class centre of expertise which will now expand its scope of attention to include the unique challenges of Formula E."

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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.