Porsche Motorsport announces plans to continue in Formula E

Porsche has announced that it will continue to compete in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with its next-generation electric racecar, the Gen4. The new regulations, which feature part-time all-wheel drive, will test another technical challenge for the development of the production car from next year's Season 11. With the introduction of the Gen4 models from 'Season 13' in 2026/2027, each participant will be able to expand their development scope and gain insights into their road-going models.

Michael Steiner, Member of the Board of Management of Porsche R&D, said: "We have been considering our long-term plans to compete in Formula E since the very beginning. The evolution of the race car shows the potential for the development of electrified models," said Michael Steiner, Member of the Board of Management of Porsche R&D. "We plan to use Formula E to gain even more knowledge about production cars." "As one of the most competitive motor racing series, Formula E is a powerful motivator for achieving technical excellence, and the determination to win the championship also contributes to the development of electrified models," he added.

"In Formula E, as in Formula 1, Porsche is committed to innovative technology and sustainability in motorsport and wants to be at the forefront of new technology development," said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport. "A championship with top-level racing, global interest and high technical significance provides the perfect stage for this, and motorsport technology is transferred to all Porsches through the collaboration of motorsport engineers and public road project colleagues. Porsche aims to develop technology not just for its own sake, but in order to bring real benefits to our customers."

Porsche joined Formula E at the beginning of the 2019/2020 season. The introduction of the second-generation race car at that time meant that the race car changes required due to range restrictions were no longer necessary. The current Gen 3 delivers 350 kilowatts of peak power, 600 kilowatts of maximum regenerative braking and a top speed of more than 300 kilometres per hour. The upcoming "Gen 3 Evo" will deliver even more performance, while the Gen 4 is set to take the next technological leap with a peak power output of 600 kilowatts and a maximum regenerative braking of 700 kilowatts.

Alberto Longo, CCO and Co-Founder of the Formula E Championship, said: "By announcing its participation in Formula E in the new Gen4 era, Porsche demonstrates its commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and motorsport and expresses its confidence in the 2026 championship. "Being at the forefront of electric motorsport with the FIA, Formula E fits perfectly with Porsche's vision for the future of racing and car development. Porsche utilises Formula E as a platform for innovation and the development of mass-produced electric sports cars, while contributing to ensuring that the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship remains one of the most thrilling and competitive series in motorsport worldwide."

Pablo Martino, Chief Executive Officer of the FIA Formula E Championship, said: "We are delighted to welcome Porsche as the third manufacturer in the Formula E Gen4 era. Like Nissan and Jaguar, who have also announced their participation, Porsche has long been synonymous with heritage and innovation in motorsport. Together with the other manufacturers who have confirmed or are planning to join us, we look forward to continuing the thrill of the championship through to 2030 and continuing our journey into the future of electric racing."

Porsche will participate in the fifth season of Formula E competition in 2023/2024. In addition to the teams run by the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, the American customisation team Andretti Formula E will compete with the Porsche 99X Electric, an electric racecar developed at the carbon-neutral Weissach factory. Porsche's plans to enter the World Championship underline its commitment to leading the transformation of traditional car manufacturers in the areas of electrification, sustainability and technology.

Article roadtesting editorial (dhseo1208@gmail.com)

Photo Porsche