Opel Joins Formula E – CleanTechnica

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The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has confirmed what e-racing aficionados call a “seismic shift” in the competitive manufacturer’s landscape as the series prepares for the transition to Gen4 technology.

Just three days ago, German automaker Opel announced its official entry into the championship for Season 13, coinciding with the debut of the most powerful electric race cars ever built. This move serves as a cornerstone of a broader Stellantis motorsport realignment following the March 19 announcement that DS Automobiles will exit the series at the conclusion of the current Season 12. While DS concludes an eleven year tenure defined by two double championships and 18 race victories, the brand is pivoting its resources toward new ventures in SailGP. This all based on a press statement by the organizers.

The new Opel GSE Formula E Team will operate as a full factory entry based in Rüsselsheim, Germany, under the leadership of Team Principal Jörg Schrott. Unlike previous Stellantis efforts that relied on external team partnerships, Opel is entering with its own manufacturer license, expanding the grid to 12 teams and 24 cars.

The entry is strategically timed to promote the Grand Sport Electric sub brand as Opel moves toward a completely electric lineup in Europe by 2028. The team is already integrating vehicle and development engineers to master the Gen4 platform, which will feature a massive leap to 600 kW of power and permanent all wheel drive.

This transition occurs against the backdrop of a high stakes Season 12 battle. The inaugural Madrid E Prix on March 21 provided a glimpse into the future of the sport with the first competitive implementation of the pit boost recharging strategy. Jaguar TCS Racing dominated the weekend at the Circuito del Jarama, with Antonio Felix da Costa securing his second consecutive win. Da Costa utilized a perfectly timed undercut during his mandatory charging stop to leapfrog polesitter Nick Cassidy. His teammate Mitch Evans clawed back from a fifteenth place start to finish second, securing a Jaguar one two that tightens the fight for the manufacturers title.

Despite the Jaguar surge in Spain, Porsche driver Pascal Wehrlein maintains his grip on the drivers championship. Wehrlein salvaged a third place podium in Madrid after a mid race collision with Nyck de Vries nearly ended his day. He now holds 83 points, leading Mahindra driver Edoardo Mortara by eleven points as the paddock prepares for the Berlin E Prix in April. The upcoming German rounds will serve as a significant homecoming for the championship leader and a prelude to Opels first public appearance, where the GSE team is scheduled to unveil its Gen4 development path at the Paul Ricard circuit.