Formula E takes control of Audi team licence sale
Formula E Operations has taken control of the sale of the Audi team licence after the deadline to agree a buyout past, despite interested parties holding talks with the manufacturer
During pre-season testing in Valencia, Audi went public with its decision to quit the championship at the end of the current 2021 campaign.
As a franchise holder, it had the option to sell its entry but will now no longer earn money from its departure after failing to close talks in time.
Various parties came forward but a formal contract could not be finalised in time.
An Audi statement read: "As planned, this season will mark the end of the successful involvement with our factory team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler and the licence will revert to the FEO at the end of the season as agreed in the regulations.
"There were talks with various interested parties, but for various reasons no contract could be closed."
Team principal Allan McNish told Autosport: "There are some natural deadlines. You have technical deadlines and some contractual ones as well.
"We had a lot of discussions in December when it was clear we were stepping out.
"We tried very hard to make sure the entity, the team, lived on beyond, but unfortunately we couldn't achieve it in the time scale."
Audi took full control of the ABT Schaeffler entry ahead of the 2017-18 campaign, having provided technical support to the squad during the first three seasons.
Although unable to provide a public comment, ABT was one the interest buyers.
An Audi spokesperson confirmed to Autosport that ABT would have permission to form a new partnership in FE with a non-Volkswagen Group partner.
Audi has developed its new powertrain for this season in-house for the first time during its FE tenure, a shift that had been two years in the making.
It will continue to supply this to customer squad Envision Virgin Racing for the rest of the Gen2 regulations, which conclude at the end of the next 2021-22 season.
Audi drivers Rene Rast and Lucas di Grassi are contracted to the manufacturer rather than specifically to the FE team, but they have different programme allocations.
Di Grassi wants to remain in FE and told Autosport he has held talks with "two or three teams".
He said: "I'm free to do whatever I want. My priority is to stay in a competitive environment, that's clear.
"I'm already talking to two or three teams, they are very interested for me to work with my experience and for me to continue with them.
"Now I need to decide what is the best option, how can I do it, how can I see myself in the future."
"Season eight starts in sixth months with testing so I need to make a decision and move forward."
FE is yet to respond to Autosport's request for a comment.
Previous article
Frijns: Bird smart with energy management in Diriyah FE victory fight
Next article
Why the new Formula E season got off to such a controversial start
How Vergne and Vandoorne found redemption in Rome
Another Formula E double-header, another double dose of frantic action. While the form guide remains unpredictable following fightback wins for Jean-Eric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne in Rome, the speed and consistency of Mercedes – both on and off the track – could have its rivals worried for what is to follow
What Nissan's commitment to Gen3 reveals about Formula E's future
Formula E's Gen3 era grid continues to take shape, after Nissan opted to commit to the series for another four years. Nissan's global chief operating officer explains why it has thrown its lot in with FE while other high-profile marques have decided to call it quits
Why the new Formula E season got off to such a controversial start
With the new Formula E season belatedly getting underway in Saudi Arabia, the championship appeared to try to make up for lost time with an overspill of action and controversy on and off the track. While some talking points could have serious repercussions, it was an explosive opener for many reasons
How Andretti is planning for life after BMW
Michael Andretti's team is a Formula E ever-present and that's not about to change despite BMW's forthcoming exit. But, with both its drivers contracted to the German giant and McLaren weighing up a possible entry, some key decisions lie ahead
The eight major plotlines to watch in Formula E 2021
The delayed 2020-21 Formula E season gets underway this week with a double-header in Saudi Arabia. The testing times were too close to call a favourite, but that's not the only area of interest to follow as the championship enters a crucial year
Why Formula E's 2021 season will be a crucial litmus test
As off-track politics threatens to overshadow events on it, the upcoming Formula E season is perhaps its most important since the championship's inception. And that's a shame, given that the focus should be on what promises to be its closest title fight yet
How Mercedes and Porsche can avoid a difficult second FE album
DS Techeetah remains FE's benchmark outfit, but it can expect a stiff challenge this year from two German automotive giants in their second seasons as full manufacturer entries. Here's how Mercedes and Porsche are doubling down to bridge the gap
The magnificent seven Brits fighting for FE bragging rights
A record seven British drivers will contest Formula E this season, including two squads with all-British lineups. But before they can consider challenging DS Techeetah for the crown, each must lead their teams' recovery to the top
