Formula E: Nio 333 Racing has announced that it will officially rebrand to 'ERT Formula E Team' for the upcoming Season 10. Formerly owned by the Chinese EV company – Nio, the racing team was acquired by Lisheng Sports and Gusto Group in September 2019, resulting in a new brand identity for the 2019-2020 season, named Nio 333 Racing. And now, the Nio 333 squad will have new investors in the form of ERT (Electric Racing Technologies), which reportedly has business interests in Hong Kong and Macau. ERT says that as one of the six registered manufacturers in Formula E, it is ready to commercialise its technology, knowledge, and IP, with a focus on the application of on-track learning to road products as well as providing electrification technology in its pursuit of more sustainable mobility solutions. The reason behind this step is two-fold: ERT intends to develop its engineering competencies as a manufacturer, and supply more teams in the future.
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Switch From Nio 333 Racing to ERT Formula E Team: What ERT Has to Say?
On entering a new era with a new name and new colours, Alex Hui, Team Principal, ERT Formula E Team, said, "We are proud to unveil our new identity as the ERT Formula E Team, it is an exciting step in our journey".
He added, "Utilising what we have learnt on track, we have already identified that we have a lot to offer in terms of improving electric vehicle performance, not just in relation to powertrains but whole vehicle engineering support and solutions, something which is already proving of interest within the automotive and motorsport industries.
"It is a natural progression for us to move forward commercialising this knowledge with the increasing global adoption of EVs, particularly as Formula E provides such a strong platform for OEMs and as such our conversations with partners in this arena are already advanced."
Expect the ERT Formula E Team to reveal their new livery prior to the official pre-season test, which is scheduled to take place next week at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain.
New Identity, Same Driver Lineup
While the ongoing squad will adopt the new brand identity, the rebranded 'ERT Formula E Team' will continue to field Dan Ticktum and Sergio Sette Camara, both making their first appearance under the ERT moniker at the pre-season test. ERT has been a part of Formula E since its inception, with Nelson Piquet Jnr winning the inaugural Drivers' title in 2014-15.
On the other hand, Nio first competed in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship in 2014 and formed a partnership with 333 Racing, which lasted about seven years. Under the Nio 333 banner, the ongoing team showed significant improvement in the first Gen3 ruleset season, which began in January 2023. Nio finished ninth out of 11 teams, with Dan Ticktum and Sergio Sette Camara scoring 42 points – their best since the 2017-18 season.
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Following the 2020-21 Formula E season in August, Nio 333 made a shift to a new base at the Silverstone Race Circuit in September as part of Lisheng Racing's plans to bring its team of 30-35 people under one roof.
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