Audi works Formula E entry won't affect its WEC programme

The German manufacturer announced earlier this month that it would increase its involvement in the existing Abt team to make it a full works entry for 2017/18, but Head of Audi Sport Wolfgang Ullrich said this will not affect the decision-making process on its continuation in the LMP1 division of the WEC.

"Formula E is presently planned as an additional programme because it is on a completely different level," Ullrich told Autosport.

"What our programmes are going to be next season is completely separated from the decision to go into Formula E."

Ullrich explained that Audi will make its decisions on its 2017 motorsport activities in the autumn, as per the usual timeline.

But he stressed that Audi, which is competing against Volkswagen sister brand Porsche in the WEC, is already planning beyond next season, after which new P1 regulations will come into force.

"For sure, concept work on the 2018 car has started, but the decision whether to continue has yet to be taken," he said.

Porsche is committed to the P1 division of the WEC until the end of 2018 after extending its initial three-year race programme in August of last year.

Toyota's participation is firmed up through 2017, but is working as though it will continue beyond that date.

Toyota Motorsport GmbH technical director Pascal Vasselon has said that there is "no end-date" to the Japanese manufacturer's WEC commitment.