Formula E: ABT Teams Up With Spanish Automaker CUPRA

ABT Sportsline will be joined by CUPRA on its Formula E return, with the Spanish brand singling out Formula E’s “unique platform” for competition between the world’s leading EV manufacturers as a key reason for entering the series alongside ABT.

The ABT CUPRA Formula E team will make its first public appearance with the new look at the series’ official test in Valencia, and the duo have already formed a successful partnership in Extreme E, most recently winning the season finale in Uruguay. “We are happy and also proud to have CUPRA at our side for our Formula E comeback,” says Hans-Juergen Abt, CEO of ABT SE.

“Our two brands have enjoyed a close and successful partnership for years on the racetrack and on the road, which is now reaching a new level. We are looking forward to the new adventure and I am sure we will attract a lot of attention on and off the racetrack.” The design of the teams Gen3s, driven by Robin Frijns – who made the off-season move from Envision Racing – and the returning German star Nico Mueller, is based on the all electric CUPRA Urban Rebel concept car, of which there will also be a road version in 2025.

“I can’t wait to see the ABT CUPRA Formula E Team competing in the heart of some of the world’s most iconic cities,” says Wayne Griffiths, CEO of CUPRA. “Formula E is a unique motorsport platform for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers to create emotions and continue to prove that electric motorsport is not boring, but rather goes hand in hand with extreme performance.”

Formula E is CUPRA’s third entry into an all-electric championship, with competition in FIA ETCR and Extreme E coming prior – the manufacturer is tripling down on its EV drive. “We are excited to welcome CUPRA to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship”, says Jamie Reigle, CEO of Formula E. “CUPRA has gained rich experience in electric motorsport in recent years. Now in partnership with ABT Sportsline they are set to dial up what is an incredibly competitive Formula E grid in Season 9 and the new Gen3 era. We can’t wait to see them in action in Mexico City in January.”

ABT competed as an inaugural member of the Formula E grid from 2014 until it took a short hiatus at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, and it’s among the most successful teams in the series’ history with 47 podium finishes. In 2023, the brand will start as a customer team with vehicles from Mahindra Racing.

ABT CUPRA becomes the latest to take the covers off its Gen3 racers, with Nissan, Jaguar, DS, McLaren, Maserati and Andretti all showing off their latest-gen Formula E cars in the past week, ahead of the new season and Valencia testing, set to take place in just a few days time.