Mercedes has reserved one of two additional places to be introduced to the Formula E grid during season five in 2018, as the series looks to expand from ten to 12 teams.
The all electric racing series will move from two cars per driver to just one during its fifth season thanks to new battery technology and is therefore looking to boost its grid to 12 teams and 24 cars – although such a move requires the backing of all current teams.
Therefore Mercedes' place on the grid isn't confirmed just yet, but the company has signed an agreement to take up a position on the grid subject to that vote and approval by the FIA.
"We have been watching the growth of Formula E with great interest," commented Toto Wolff. "At the current time, we are looking at all the options available in the future of motor racing, and we are very pleased with an agreement that secures us an opportunity to enter the series in season five.
"Electrification will play a major role in the future of the automotive industry – racing has always been a technology R&D platform for the motor industry, and this will make Formula E very relevant in the future."
Series CEO Alejandro Agag welcomed the news, adding: "We are delighted to confirm that we have reserved one of our two new entries in season five for MGP.
"Formula E wants to become the platform where car manufacturers test and develop the technologies that they will then introduce on their road cars.
"Having the chance to include a brand like Mercedes in our championship in the future would be a major boost to achieve that objective.
"Formula E is becoming an exciting mix of consolidated manufacturers like Renault, Citroen-DS, Audi, Mahindra or Jaguar, and new futuristic brands like Faraday Future, NextEV, or the likes of major component manufacturers like Schaeffler and ZF. Mercedes would be a great addition to that growing line-up."
