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ABT to make Formula E return in Gen 3

ABT Sportsline will make its Formula E return from 2023 onwards, the German squad has announced.

After a year’s absence following the departure of Audi from the all-electric championship, ABT will return to the series as a customer team.

ABT has already confirmed a partnership with a powertrain supplier which is yet to be announced.

“Formula E has always had a big place in our hearts and we have never made a secret of the fact that we want to be back,” said ABT managing partner Hans-Jurgen Abt. “After the internal kick-off, we are now talking to our current and potential partners. The goal is to bring a strong team to the championship, both on and off track.”

Through its first five seasons in Formula E, ABT, in partnership with Audi, ran Season 3 champion Lucas Di Grassi and race winner Daniel Abt. Abt left the team mid-way through the 2020 season and was replaced by Rene Rast. Rast continued with the team for its final year in the series alongside Di Grassi.

In ABT’s seven years in the championship, it became the most successful team in the series, with record setting numbers of points and podium finishes.

However, ABT expects to be the underdogs when it returns to the series.

“As far as our two drivers are concerned, we have very clear ideas,” said CEO Thomas Biermaier. “We will probably start as underdogs, unlike last time as a factory team. That’s why it’s all the more important that we have quick and clever drivers in the cockpit, who fit in well with us. The first talks are exciting and very positive, so I’m sure we’ll have our team together soon.”

Formula E COO Alberto Longo added: “I am delighted to welcome ABT back to where they belong in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. ABT is a proven success story in Formula E with record-setting points and podium finishes so their return after a season out to be part of the Gen 3 era is positive for fans and the sport.”

Bethonie Waring

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