Spanish car brand Cupra will join the likes of McLaren and Maserati on the 2023 Formula E grid next year, after partnering with fomer title-winning outfit Abt Sportline.
Cupra isn’t new to electric motorsport having competed in both seasons of the Extreme E off-road championship, while also taking part in the ETCR electric touring car championship.
Extreme E 2022: behind the scenes with Abt Cupra
Now Cupra says it is ready to compete in Formula E, describing the move as a “natural step”, as it continues with its plans to become a fully electrified brand by 2030.
The firm added that due to the sport being net-zero since its inception, it feels it “shares the same DNA”, with both aiming to “reach individuals that value sustainability and are passionate about racing”.
Q&A: How Cupra is creating its electric reinvention
Formula E has brought in a host of new technical and sporting regulations for the 2023 season. The new third-generation Gen3 chassis has more power with 350kW, up from 250kW last season. An electric motor has also been added to the front axle to harness even more energy through regenerative braking.
“Racing is at the core of Cupra's DNA – and at Cupra we go out to win,” said Wayne Griffiths, CEO of Cupra.
“It’s the right time to take the next leap forward and join the world’s greatest electric motorsport competition, and I can’t wait to see the ABT Cupra Formula E team competing in the heart of some of the world’s most iconic cities.
“Joining the Formula E, a unique motorsport platform, underlines our ambition of becoming a truly global relevant brand, with the aim of inspiring the world from Barcelona.”
Former Envision Racing driver, Robin Frijns has joined the Cupra Abt outfit for the 2023 season, with Nico Müller racing in the sport for the first time having previously been a test and reserve driver for the Audi Abt Formula E team.
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