HWA linked to 2018 Formula E entry

HWA founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht and team director Ulrich Fritz (pictured) visited the most recent FE round in New York to further evaluate the series.

Mercedes is known to have a deadline of October to decide whether it exercises its option to join the series, where many of its automotive sector rivals such as Audi and BMW have factory programmes, when its fifth season begins late next year.

HWA could conceivably link up with existing FE manufacturer Venturi, with which it shares a significant partner in chassis and drivetrain technology specialist ZF Group, initially.

ZF will take charge of Venturi's powertrain for season four, which begins this December, and Mercedes contracted Maro Engel races for the team at the moment.

Speculation that reigning Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg could reunite with Mercedes for an FE programme is considered wide of the mark in the short term at least.

Rosberg has shown an interest in electric technology, meeting with FE directors earlier in this month and visiting Tesla this week.