ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport is an interesting team, as it concerns three players, all of which are working towards one entry. ABT have a long racing history, and have been tuning VW-group road cars for many years. They bring with them a wealth of expertise, and it’s clear they know how to set up a racing car. However, their prior experience of electric powertrains is near to non-existent, hence why their partnership with German manufacturing company Schaeffler has been such a good complement. Schaeffler are one of those companies, where you’ve probably benefitted from many of their products without ever knowing it. They are traditionally known for manufacturing precision bearings, for the automotive industry and other specialist applications – they even manufacture the centre bearing of the London Eye. However, the company has recently been expanding into the world of e-mobility, developing innovative hub motors for a converted Ford Fiesta, as well as complex motor-clutch systems for hybrids. It’s a credit to them, how well they’ve done so far at creating such a high performance motor. Their Formula E programme helps them prove their worth in the wider automotive space, showing they are the go-to people for auto-makers who want to enter the EV sector without investing substantially into in-house R&D facilities.

But then into the foray, comes VW. The auto-maker half-heartedly entered the series by attaching its ‘Audi Sport’ badge to the ABT entry, though in reality have had little to do with the series. In Season 2, we were thrown off even more, by the company deciding to put their ‘VW’ logo on the side of the cars and on driver overalls, as part of their ‘strategic partnership’ with the team. However, they have had near to no role in the development of the Season 2 car, leaving their position in the series all a bit… odd. VW Group have recently increased their electrification efforts on three of their core brands: VW, Audi and Porsche. It would make sense for them to show-off their EV prowess in the series, and since the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal, VW have promised more than ever to invest in the electrification of their product lines. But, with Schaeffler doing such a good job so far, where does this leave VW? Would they replace Schaeffler when they feel the time is right, or work alongside them on future powertrains? Or is this all one big marketing stunt, with VW’s aim just to attach itself to a good cause without really wanting to invest the time and money?



