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Audi to supply Virgin Racing in Season 5

Virgin Racing will compete in Season 5 of Formula E using the newly-developed Audi e-tron FE05 including the powertrain.

Virgin had been in partnership with DS Automobiles, part of the Citroen group, since powertrain development was opened up ahead of Season 2.

The DS-Virgin partnership finished third in the teams’ championship in Season 4 with 160 points – 104 points behind Audi.

They finished fourth in Season 3 and third in Season 2.

“After four fantastic seasons securing seven wins and 19 podiums, and recently, a successful partnership with DS Automobiles, we have opted to take a new direction for the next generation of Formula E,” said Virgin Racing managing director Sylvain Filippi.

“From the outset, it was always the team’s intention to partner with an OEM as Virgin’s core business areas don’t involve the production of automobiles.

“With Audi Sport together with the drive of our majority team owner Envision, we feel this is the perfect partnership to ensure we continue fighting at the front of the grid.”

Audi won the teams’ title in Season 4 despite a horrendous start to the season, picking up 12 points in the first four races.

However, a strong end to the season where Lucas di Grassi picked up seven consecutive podiums and Daniel Abt claimed two wins, meant the German marque claimed the teams’ title from independent outfit Techeetah.

Dieter Gass, head of Audi Motorsport, said: “We are glad that in the new Formula E season together with Virgin Racing four Audi e-tron FE05 cars will fight for points and trophies.

“The team has been one of the key players in Formula E ever since the series was founded – both in terms of its racing performances and all off-track activities. This makes Virgin Racing’s choice of using our powertrain a particular pleasure.

“This confidence also confirms the excellent work that our engineers are doing together with their colleagues from our development partner Schaeffler.”

Virgin Racing will launch their car on October 5, where the driver line-up for the upcoming season will be confirmed.

Image courtesy Virgin Racing

Jack Amey

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