Wolff denies customer Mercedes powertrain switch ‘odd’

Venturi Formula E boss Susie Wolff has denied suggestions that it was “odd” for her team to stop manufacturing its own powertrains and sign a customer arrangement with Mercedes.

The Monaco-based team, which was previously an FE powertrain manufacturer in conjunction with German technology company ZF, will use Mercedes’ Silver Arrow 01 package from the upcoming 2019/20 campaign.

Venturi has scored podium finishes throughout FE’s first five seasons – and won the 2019 Hong Kong E-Prix after on-the-road-winner Sam Bird was penalised for clashing with Andre Lotterer – but has not managed to achieve a constant run of form and counts sixth in 2015/16 as its best finish in the FE teams’ championship.

Wolff explained that the switch to running Mercedes power was a “strategic” decision instigated by Venturi president Gildo Pastor to ensure it stayed competitive amid an influx of manufacturers in the series.

“I don’t think it’s odd at all because Venturi is not a manufacturer – as in, we don’t build road cars to sell,” she told Motorsport.com.

“We’re a team that go racing under the Venturi banner, and Venturi Automobiles will carry on doing land speed records, building amazing vehicles that can go to Antarctica.

“But I think it’s very strategic from Gildo to realise that in order to stay competitive in Formula E, he had to align himself with a big manufacturer.

“And it was clear last season that [while] we had the possibility of getting some great results, we were unable to fight consistently at the front.

“For a small operation like ours, to continue as a manufacturer was a huge challenge and that’s why I’m very confident that it’s a step in the right direction in terms of our performance in Formula E.

“Because I have no doubt that the competition is going to be even higher in season six.”

When asked if she took inspiration from the Techeetah and Envision Virgin Racing teams finishing second and third in the last two FE teams’ championships as customer squads, Wolff said: “Yes, and I think that’s one of the great things about Formula E.

“Nine races, eight different winners [at the start of 2018/19], and not all of them with big manufacturers.

“That’s integral to what Formula E is and it gives me great confidence in becoming a customer team we’re having no disadvantage.

“If anything, it should mean that we have a better advantage and I think that’s one of the big advantage of the technical regulations in Formula E.”

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