BMW will join Formula E as an official manufacturer for Season 5. The company confirmed that it will build a new powertrain to be used by the Andretti team in '18-19. BMW wants to use its involvement to help develop the technology used in the next generation of its electric cars. BMW has been involved with Formula E since its inception as the official vehicle partner. However, this will be the first time it has built its own powertrain for the series (Formula E).
McLaren's "potential divorce" with engine supplier Honda has led to "speculation about a possible partnership with Ferrari." Honda is in a "precarious situation" with McLaren and the team is "seemingly weighing up all available options" ahead of the '18 season. A return to Mercedes is the "most likely outcome," but journalist Pino Allievi "believes McLaren have also approached Ferrari about supplying engines to them" (PLANET F1, 7/12).
French football side Ajaccio will remain in Ligue 2 after "successfully appealing against a decision to relegate them on financial grounds." The club was demoted last month by the French National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) along with Corsican rival Bastia, which "had just been relegated from Ligue 1." Bastia's hearing took place on Wednesday (PA, 7/11).
