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Ferrari monitoring Formula E - not ruling out involvement

Sergio Marchionne says he is attentive to Formula E's development although the Ferrari CEO is ruling any involvement in the near future.

The burgeoning International FIA series launched in 2014 is slowly but surely attracting manufacture interest.

Renault is officially involved with Alain Prost and Jean-Paul Driot's eDams outfit, while Jaguar also entered the fray this season.

Audi and BMW are scheduled to send electrified works efforts next season and Mercedes has secured an option to take part in 2020.

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Ferrari's Marchionne is therefore keeping an eye on the series but has yet to be convinced by its relevancy.

"The Formula E arrangement now, as much as I think it's tough to make technology relevant on the track, is still substantially short to what I would expect to have," he said on a conference call with investors.

"I mean the fact that you have to change cars during the race is unhelpful simply because of the duration of the battery charges.

"And I think we need to find a better way of expressing the interest in electrification and Formula E. Having said this, we continue to look at it.

"And I think I've not given up on the idea of potentially one day entering -- if the parameters are such that Ferrari can effectively make a difference. If it cannot make a difference then it should not take part."

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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.