Manufacturers line up for Formula E!

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Formula E continues to garner the interest of automobile manufacturers with several companies interested in joining the fray sometime in the future.

A registration deadline for manufacturers to submit a tech brief to the FIA closed on February 1, and upon review the governing body will select those to which an entry licence will be granted from 2018 onwards.

It is believed that both Audi and BMW will figure in the selection process, with both companies already involved in the full electric series through the Abt team for Audi, and the Andretti squad for BMW.

As a reminder, Mercedes has already secured an option to enter Formula E for the 2018/2019 season.

"I continue to be delighted by the level of interest that Formula E has been receiving from global car manufacturers since the very start of its first season," Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag told Motorsport.com.

"This is a great endorsement of how Formula E is leading the way for motorsport that is truly relevant for the automotive industry and how it is inspiring the next generation of electric vehicles."

The ongoing selection process should run into March, after which the FIA shall announce the manufacturers officially committed to the series

"The whole process has to be carefully fulfilled because it is such an important step, especially for season five onwards when we will have completely new technology," said an FIA spokesman.

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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.