Opel announces Formula E debut in Season 13’s GEN4 era

A new team is all set to enter the Formula E World Championship next season, and it is none other than the German giant Opel. Named the ‘Opel GSE Formula E Team’, the Russelsheim-based manufacturer will compete in Season 13, when Formula E moves into the GEN4 era. The team, which has already proved its mettle in rallying and endurance racing, will showcase its all-electric GSE models in the series.The news of Opel’s arrival on the Formula E scene was officially announced by Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds and Opel CEO Florian Huettl at a press conference ahead of the upcoming Madrid E-Prix.Sharing his excitement about Opel’s entry, Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said, “We are delighted to welcome Opel as a new factory team in Formula E. As a strong German brand with distinctive engineering expertise and a fresh, bold image, Opel brings a long and storied history in motorsport and a new dynamic to the starting grid. Opel’s commitment also shows the importance of Formula E for global car manufacturers in the transition to electric mobility.”Opel CEO Florian Huettl added, “Joining Formula E marks a new milestone for Opel on our journey towards an electric future. With Formula E moving to GEN4 cars from next season, we see this as the ideal time to join this exciting, all-electric racing competition. Our Opel GSE Formula E Team will show what our brand stands for: German engineering, bold design and electrified performance - attributes that also apply to Opel’s fully electric GSE models, such as the Mokka GSE and, soon, the new Corsa GSE.”GEN4 marks a major leap in electric racing, with Formula E cars set to achieve a peak output of up to 600 kW (816 hp) in qualifying and Attack Mode - an additional 250 kW (340 hp) compared to the current format. The cars will also feature permanent all-wheel drive, providing improved grip.With extensive experience across traditional motorsport categories, Opel has competed in the World Rally Championship, Formula Opel, Formula 3 and the German Touring Car Masters (DTM). Opel’s motorsport department, led by Opel GSE Formula E Team Principal and Motorsport Director Jorg Schrott, is already preparing for the team’s entry into the championship. A team of vehicle development and strategy engineers, along with operational management, is working towards the mission for next year.Before the start of Season 13, the Opel GSE Formula E Team will make its first public appearance during the official GEN4 launch at the Paul Ricard circuit in Le Castellet in April.Also read: Madrid E-Prix: Circuito del Jarama set to host maiden Formula E race, here’s what makes it special