Stellantis Replaces Maserati with Citroen in Formula E Plans | Carscoops

      The new chapter for Citroen Racing shifts from rally stages to Formula E Grand Prix.

      Stellantis has revealed that Citroen Racing will participate in the FIA Formula E Championship.

      The team will take over the position held by Maserati MSG, signaling the end of the brand's involvement.

      It remains uncertain whether Citroen will continue its presence in rallying or focus exclusively on single-seater racing.

      Stellantis is on the brink of a significant transformation in its motorsport endeavors, with Citroen Racing stepping in for Maserati MSG in Formula E. While the French brand is often synonymous with rallying triumphs, it has been deemed a more fitting contender for the all-electric series.

      Starting from the upcoming season, Citroen will compete in the FIA Formula E championship. Its comeback as a factory team is described as an “electric, innovative, and passionate journey that reflects our values and vision for future mobility.”

      A teaser video on social media provides a sneak peek at the brand’s electric single-seater, set to be unveiled on October 20. The Facebook cover photo showcasing the Citroen Racing Formula E Team logo raises questions about whether this new era will signify the end of the brand's rallying legacy. A potential exit could align with the return of Stellantis counterpart Lancia in rallying, as the new Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale may replace the C3 Rally2, which has been in use since 2018.

      Citroen boasts a record of eight Manufacturer’s titles and nine consecutive Driver’s titles in the WRC during the dominant era of Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena from 2004 to 2012. The brand also secured four Rally Dakar victories with the ZX Rally Raid in the 1990s.

      In addition to rallying, Citroen claimed three consecutive FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) titles for both drivers and manufacturers between 2014 and 2016 with a racing variant of the C-Elysée sedan.

      Citroen Racing will take the place of Maserati MSG, which entered Formula E in 2023, succeeding Venturi Racing. Following a failed takeover earlier this year, the team managed three wins (one in each season) but has apparently faced challenges regarding financial support.

      Another factor contributing to Maserati's withdrawal from Formula E is the brand’s evolving electrification strategy, with a reduced focus on Folgore-branded electric vehicles and the cancellation of the electric MC20 supercar.

      Citroen Racing will utilize technical elements from another Stellantis brand in Formula E, DS Automobiles, which has achieved numerous victories and championship titles over the last decade. Currently operated by Penske, it remains unclear if DS will continue in the championship for the upcoming Gen4 single-seater era.

      According to The Race, Opel might also apply for a Formula E license in the future, which seems fitting for its rejuvenated GSE performance division.

      For the upcoming season, Citroen Racing will join a grid of 10 Formula E teams. Competitors will include Nissan, Ford, Jaguar TCS, Tag Heuer Porsche, DS Penske, Envision, Lola Yamaha Abt, Mahindra, and Andretti.