Monday 3rd April 2017

Ferrari planning Formula E entry?

Well if you thought BMW was a surprise...

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Rumours are continuing to circulate that Ferrari is planning to enter Formula E. The latest indicator is Sergio Marchionne's interview in Auto, the FIA's official magazine. We say indicator; it sounds a lot more like confirmation: "We need to be involved in Formula E because electrification via hybridisation is going to be part of our future". He described hybrid vehicles as "crucial" to Ferrari, adding that the technology must benefit Ferrari "not just in terms of emissions reduction, but also performance."

That has been seen already with the LaFerrari, but it now seems that we can expect more Ferraris to harness EV tech. And how better to advance the technology than with motorsport?

However, unlike BMW, Jaguar and Audi, Ferrari's official entry appears a little way off. Motor1 is reporting that a full factory effort is unlikely before 2022, though Ferrari could provide factory support to private teams sooner. Suggested examples are a Kaspersky Racing team - already an F1 sponsor, plus with a GT team with a 488 driven by Giancarlo Fisichella - or as a Fiat branded outfit. This would follow the pattern set by BMW with a few seasons supporting another team (BMW's being MS Amlin Andretti) before committing to a solo effort.

Interestingly Formula E boss Alejandro Agag hasn't commented on the rumours yet, adding only that he thought "it was time Mr Marchionne and I met". It would be quite a coup to have Ferrari involved in the sport, wouldn't it? The move would surely bring a lot more fans to the series as well. And finally, it's hardly like Ferrari made a hash of its first hybrid effort, so will be fascinating to see where the road cars go with additional expertise. We'll be following this one with interest...

[Sources: Motor1, LAT photo]

[JTSmith]

Can't help but think unless they make the racing a bit more interesting, it doesn't really matter whether Ferrari, Bugatti or even the ghost of James Hunt and James Dean start racing... Its still a naff series

[JTSmith]

kambites said:

The racing is, IMO, no less interesting than F1 (which admittedly is setting the bar relatively low).

As a BTCC fan, I would totally agree that neither Fe or F1 are all that interesting