Formula E: Griffiths expects parts bottlenecks ahead of Gen4 test after late Fusion entry

Just a few weeks before the first joint Gen4 test, Fusion Formula E's late entry is creating additional challenges. Suppliers had originally planned for only 11 teams, meaning extra components now have to be made available at short notice for two Porsche 975 RSE cars. Batteries and parts of the front powertrain in particular could become tight ahead of the Madrid test.

Only a few days ago, it emerged that Fusion Formula E will join the World Championship next season as the 12th team on the grid. The newly formed operation will run two Porsche 975 RSE cars and is led by former Jaguar and DS Penske technical director Phil Charles. Because the decision came so late, suppliers now also have to adjust plans that were originally based on an 11-team field.

While a fully occupied Formula E grid is a positive sign for the championship in the long term, the extremely late entry is putting additional pressure on the supply chain. Components now have to be provided for two extra cars that were not included in the original production planning.

"I think the biggest challenge with Gen4 is the late arrival of the 12th team and what that means for parts availability and the delivery of things like batteries," Roger Griffiths, chairman of the Formula E Teams and Manufacturers Association (FETAMA), explained on the Racers Voice podcast.

Fusion entry puts suppliers under time pressure

For suppliers, the situation is primarily a logistical challenge. "All along, only 11 teams had been planned for. The 12th team therefore adds another complication," Griffiths said. Discussions are now taking place over how the situation can be resolved.

The challenge does not only affect Fusion. Certain spec components have to be available across the entire grid. According to FE Notebook, timing is particularly tight when it comes to batteries and components for the front powertrain. These are common parts used by all Gen4 cars, meaning the respective suppliers now have to provide additional units for the two Fusion entries at short notice.

According to Griffiths, the companies involved had based their production and delivery schedules on the originally registered number of teams. He does not, however, see the situation as a fundamental obstacle. It is "by no means a showstopper", although it will have to be monitored closely given the limited time available.

"You can't just speculatively throw money at a problem," Griffiths said. At the same time, he stressed that the arrival of a 12th team is very much welcomed. Having all 12 available Formula E licences in use is a strong sign for the championship, and the short-term difficulties created by the late entry will now have to be solved collectively.

Race against time ahead of pre-season testing

The situation becomes particularly relevant with the official pre-season test at the Circuito del Jarama approaching. In mid-November, all Gen4 teams are due to test together for the first time. According to FE Notebook, there is speculation in the Formula E paddock over whether Fusion will be fully operational in time. The cars themselves are expected to be completed, but there is still some uncertainty surrounding several spec components.

Charles is meanwhile working at full speed to build up the new team. He has already visited Porsche Motorsport's facility in Weissach as well as the recent test in Monza in order to accelerate preparations for the cars. Recruitment is also continuing in parallel.

Fusion only received final approval for the project at the beginning of October. That leaves just a few weeks to effectively build an entire race team and prepare two Gen4 cars for testing. Fusion is nevertheless expected to run two drivers in Madrid, with Porsche factory driver Ayhancan Güven among the candidates. The final race line-up may not be decided until after pre-season testing.

Who owns the 12th Formula E licence?

Alongside the logistical challenge, Fusion's entry has also raised another question: who actually owns the 12th Formula E licence?

Porsche acquired the previously unused licence last year. The German manufacturer had originally planned to use it to run a second works team in the Gen4 era. Those plans have since changed, with Fusion now set to compete as an independent Porsche customer team.

There is, however, uncertainty in the paddock over whether the licence is still owned by Porsche or has since been transferred to Fusion. There is currently no clear public answer to that question.

That means the ownership of Formula E's 12th licence remains unresolved alongside the short-term logistical issues. What is clear is that Fusion is set to enter the Gen4 era as an independent Porsche customer team - under significant time pressure before the first official pre-season test.