Report: ERT could give up its own Formula E development and become a Porsche customer team

According to a report by The Race, the Formula E manufacturing team ERT is set to become a Porsche customer team from the coming season and will therefore no longer develop its own electric powertrain, but will instead use technology from Zuffenhausen. Both ERT and Porsche have reportedly confirmed the deal. The Swabians would be the first manufacturer in Formula E history to have two customer teams (Andretti and ERT).

ERT has had a disastrous year. While the Chinese team at least looked stronger than the Mahindra-powered teams at the start of the season, they recently drove nine races in a row without scoring any points. The teams' standings were clear: ERT finished last with less than half as many points as Mahindra. Now the Chinese are apparently seeking help - contrary to the manufacturer's actual philosophy - and want to race with old Porsche motors from season 11 onwards. A 2-year deal until the end of the Gen3 era is possible.

For the first time since the start of Formula E, six drivers would be competing with technology from the same manufacturer. The deal would be particularly surprising, as Porsche was until recently reluctant to supply a third team and is said to have already rejected ABT, which is now working with the new manufacturer Lola Yamaha. For ERT, a deal with Porsche could change everything - instead of the back of the field, race wins could possibly be on the cards straight away - although they wouldn't run the new Gen3 Evo powertrain.

Not everything is settled yet

ERT has been struggling with considerable financial problems for some time. The manufacturer is reportedly unable to cover the upcoming costs for the entire 11th season. As a result, the team is said to be in constant dialogue with potential new sponsors and investors. Switching to a customer team at short notice - and just 70 days before the official start of the season - would be an additional risk.

If the Porsche deal should still fall through, the team still has a less promising plan B: Helix, the company that was also responsible for the ERT powertrain last season, has provided a further development of last year's drive. However, as the team had not tested it on the race track since the end of the season, ERT would fly to Valencia with a greater technical deficit than it already had.

At least the drivers seem safe

The people who are probably hoping for the Porsche powertrain the most are Dan Ticktum and Sergio Sette Camara. Both drivers have reportedly not yet signed a contract, but are on the verge of renewing it. Sacha Fenestraz, who was recently dropped by Nissan, is also in negotiations with the team, but his chances of getting a cockpit are said to be very slim.

Both Ticktum and Sette Camara struggled in last year's car. They vented their dissatisfaction more than once on frustrated pit radio or in interviews after the race. With no open seats at other teams left, they are dependent on remaining with the Chinese team as long as they want to continue racing in Formula E.