AUDI has become the first German car maker to race in Formula E through its takeover of the ABT Sportsline team, which has been renamed Audi Sport ABT Sportsline.

Audi beats German rivals in Formula E foray
Formula E series running since 2014. Audi set to up sport’s ante next season.

Formula E is a global motor racing series for electric-driven, single-seat, open-wheel race cars.

The car maker bared ABT Sportsline, which has been competing in Formula E since the series’ inception in 2014, will field electric-powered Audi race cars starting in December, when the fourth season of Formula E begins.

Audi noted it has been supporting ABT Sportsline since the first season of Formula E, and has sent one of its factory drivers, Lucas di Grassi, to race for the team. In the series’ 2016-2017 season, Audi said it had increased its financial and technical support for the team.

Peter Mertens, a member of the technical development board at Audi AG, said Audi has recently been intensifying its involvement in Formula E through the “development of the new power train and in numerous off-track activities.”

“That Audi is the first German automobile manufacturer to be actively involved in the racing series is a clear commitment of our brand to electric mobility, [both] on the race track and on the road through the new Audi e-tron,” Mr. Mertens said.

The fourth season of Formula E season starts in Hong Kong on December 2, before moving on to South America, North America, Africa and Europe.