BMW teams up with Amelin Andretti for the new season

Owned by Michael Andretti, the American structure of the same name has secured the insurer Amelin as title sponsor since last season. The team is still part of the Andretti Autosport group, present in many disciplines, such as IndyCar. In addition to this, a new major partner is joining the ranks of this formation. BMW has recently announced a close partnership with the American team starting this season. The aim of the brand from Munich is to explore the various possibilities available to them before transitioning to a genuine entry as a constructor, expected from the 2018/2019 season.

In the meantime, the team, which finished sixth in the championship during season 1 and seventh in the constructors’ standings for season 2, logically hopes to progress in the hierarchy to get closer to the top of the standings.

Want to know what Team Principal Roger Griffiths thinks about prep for season 3? Have a watch of this https://t.co/19QmSGVPlo

— MS Amlin Andretti FE (@MSAmlinAndretti) 8 septembre 2016

Antonio Félix da Costa: A pure product of the Andretti-BMW marriage, the 25-year-old Portuguese driver has been in Formula E since the second race of the series in 2014 in Putrajaya, Malaysia; at the time for the Aguri team. He has one victory in Buenos Aires during the first season where he finished eighth in the championship with 51 points. For season 2, he continued the adventure with the Japanese team, but with less success as he did not secure any podium finishes and his best result was sixth place. With 28 points, he finished thirteenth in the driver standings. The structure having sold its license, Da Costa, in his capacity as a BMW factory driver, joined Amelin Andretti to compete in season 3. In parallel to his participation, the driver who came through the Red Bull program still competes in the DTM (German Touring Car Championship), obviously for BMW. He will need to raise his level after a rather average 2015/2016 campaign.

Robin Frijns: The 25-year-old Dutchman lined up for the first time in Formula E during the season’s opening round in Beijing, behind the wheel of the Andretti team’s car. He continues the adventure with the team for season 3. He climbed to the podium in just his second participation in Punta del Este, Uruguay, and managed to finish fifth in Mexico. After a good first season, the Dutchman undoubtedly hopes to confirm his performance this year. He also shares his time with a program in the Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup for Audi. He was the Formula Renault 3.5 champion in 2012. His first season in the discipline was quite good and consistent, which may give him hope to make a name for himself regularly during the third season, or even better.

Missing being out on track already #FormualE pic.twitter.com/ptIllPAeac

— MS Amlin Andretti FE (@MSAmlinAndretti) 12 septembre 2016