The registration process for new Formula E teams

We detail the process new teams need to follow to enter the electric racing series.

As the series picks up more traction the interest from possible teams also increases. We’ve already seen Porsche and Mercedes sign on for entry and interest from other large manufactures may continue. Companies like Ford could be a contender as they are becoming big investors in electric vehicles and they also have a lengthy history in motorsport. So what do manufacturers need to do to enter the series?

Manufacturers interested in joining the series must send in a proposal to the FIA. This proposal has a hard deadline of February 1st for each year previous to the season in which they want to join. For example, if a team wanted to join season five (2018/19), they had to send in a proposal by February 1st, 2017. During this time, teams must be available for meetings with the FIA as well.

Jaguar Racing driver, Mitch Evans, during the 2018 Rome ePrix. — (Image: Formula E)

At the end of February the FIA will determine if the manufacturer or team is fit to join the series. In terms of ‘qualifications’ the FIA looks at the teams ability to field two cars for the entire season. The sport has guaranteed that the single car price will not exceed 817,300 euros for season five. Teams also have the ability to lease cars during the season.

Ensuring that the cars meet all technical aspects for Formula E is an important detail. Teams must send in detailed accounts of purchase history for all parts of the cars. Following this, safety inspections will also be done by the FIA to homologate the cars. Further to detailing the technical specifications of the cars, teams must also tell the FIA about financial resources, motorsport experience, and the ability to acquire funding.

Entry may not be entirely based on money alone but being financially stable is certainly a big factor. Formula E has a cap of 12 teams and they are currently at 10. This means competition to enter the series will be very high as it continues to grow. Does it sound like running a Formula E team could fit into your monthly budget?