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Why BMW and Audi have pulled the plug on Formula E

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BMW and Audi shocked the Formula E fraternity by announcing their departures at the end of the 2020-21 season. Overnight, the championship has been dealt something of a "wake-up call" - including questions about its relevance to manufacturers

Formula E has been dealt a hammer blow just as it's about to celebrate its new-found FIA World Championship status. Two premium automotive manufacturers that are recognised the world over, ones which are aggressively pushing electric road cars, will both exit stage left. The all-electric championship is no longer the electric championship that's right for them.

Individually, Audi and then BMW's decision to quit FE at the close of the forthcoming 2020-21 season are seismic. But together - the official announcements coming in two days of one another - it's inflicted a far bigger hit. Not a fatal one, but the championship has been knocked heavily.

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