Audi quits WEC, will focus on Formula E

Audi has officially announced its decision to quit from the World Endurance Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This decision has been taken to focus and incline the motorsport arm towards Formula E racing series. The company has already collaborated with Team ABT Schaeffler to participate in the 2016-17 season of the all-electric racing series.

Audi will be terminating its FIA WEC contract at the end of the 2016 season. This will mark an end to its 18-year participation in the Le Mans races, in which the company has earned 13 victories. Audi was also awarded the drivers' and manufacturers' titles in 2012-13.

With Audi out of the World Endurance Championship, there are now only two manufacturers left to compete in the races - Porsche and Toyota. On the other hand, Formula E has managed to attract attention of various big names in the automotive industry, including Audi, Citroen, Mercedes, Jaguar, Renault, and Mahindra.

This major change in inclination of Audi's motorsport strategy is also being seen as a step to focus on zero-emission vehicles. Manufacturers are known to use the knowledge and experience gathered in motorsports to develop new production vehicles. With Audi planning to introduce multiple zero-emission vehicles in its portfolio by 2025, Formula E championship can indeed turn out to be beneficial for the company's development.