Formula One champions Mercedes set to compete in Formula E in 2018

Formula One champs Mercedes are on the edge of contending in electric motor racing series, Formula E, after using up an option to participate in 2018.

Formula E introduced in 2014 and 10 groups – consisting of BMW, Jaguar and Audi – presently compete.

2 more producers will take part time for the 2018-19 season.

‘We have been enjoying the growth of Formula E with great interest,’ stated Mercedes team employer Toto Wolff.

‘At the present time, we are looking at all the choices offered in the future of motor racing, and we are really delighted with a contract that secures us a chance to enter the series in season 5.

‘Electrification will play a significant role in the future of the vehicle market,’ he included.

‘Racing has constantly been a technology research and development platform for market and this will make Formula E really pertinent in the future.’

The third season of the sport begins in Hong Kong this Sunday.

The fifth year, when Mercedes will go, is set to be a landmark one, with battery advancement enabling drivers to compete in one vehicle, rather of switching to a second one mid-race.

Mercedes have dominated Formula One from 2014, winning both drivers’ and contractors’ titles in the previous 2 seasons.

They are on course to make it a hat-trick in these two events this year, with Nico Rosberg 23 points clear of team-mate Lewis Hamilton having 5 races remaining.