With runner-up Lucas di Grassi and youngster Daniel Abt in the cockpits, ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport starts the global tour with great anticipation and high expectations. With testing in Donington today begin the final preparations for the new season of Formula E, which launches with its first race in Hong Kong on October 9. With runner-up Lucas di Grassi and youngster Daniel Abt in the cockpits, a powertrain improved in many aspects and with Audi as a new partner, ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport starts the global tour with great anticipation and high expectations. The ABT Schaeffler MGU01+ – even the name makes it clear – is based on the combination of electric motor and transmission from the successful season two model: in ten races both drivers picked up ten podium positions, of which three were victories. The engineers from the exclusive technology partner, Schaeffler, have concentrated on further improving the torque strength and efficiency of drive. On top of this, the weight has been further reduced. The transmission features three gears, and it has been further optimized in its efficiency and shift times. “We feel well equipped for the challenges of the third season,” says Prof. Peter Gutzmer, the Chief Technical Officer who is responsible for Formula E at Schaeffler, and has driven it forward since the first minute. “Our powertrain, in its first season, played an important part in our many successes. Therefore it quickly became clear to us continue to focus on our proven concept, but at the same time to further develop all aspects of our components. My thanks go to all of the engineers who, with full commitment, worked on this in parallel with our fight for the title, so that we are capable of winning in future competitions as well.” The beginning of the new season coincides with Audi becoming another partner of the team. The brand is intensifying its existing partnership through financial and technical support. For the 2017/2018 season, on the road toward a fully-fledged factory commitment, Audi Sport will be joining the development step by step in close cooperation with technology partner Schaeffler. “Audi’s involvement is good news for the team and underlines Formula E’s significance in the world of motorsport, especially as a global stage and test laboratory for electric mobility. The cooperation with the team at ABT as well as with the two drivers, Lucas and Daniel, was and is excellent in all areas,” says Prof. Peter Gutzmer. “I am very pleased that we can now continue the powertrain de velopment together with Audi Sport, who will take over the overall development process.” With the season opener in Hong Kong in October, Formula E starts its tour that should include twelve races in ten locations. New to the calendar, among others, are circuits in Marrakesh, Brussels, Montreal as well as in the heart of New York, where at the end of July 2017 both final races will be held. The German home race on the streets of Berlin will take place on the 10 July, 2017. “The entirety of electric mobility, including hybrid solutions and clean electric driving, will significantly impact the future – especially in the large metropolises of the world,” says Prof. Peter Gutzmer. “For years Schaeffler has offered innovative solutions and concepts for the mobility of tomorrow. Formula E is thus a key commitment for us, and ideal for our company and our engineers.” Down to the Wire: Until the very last minute Lucas di Grassi and Sébastien Buemi fought each other for the Formula E title. Team ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport gives its congratulations – and looks forward to the continuing duel in the new season.