Citroën jumps into Formula E: the official return to motorsport is on!

I first brought you the exclusive news on June 25th, and what was then a developing story has now become a resounding official announcement: Citroën is making its grand return to top-tier international motorsport. The legendary French brand, with its incredibly rich history in racing, has chosen the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to write the next chapter of its story. This new adventure is set to begin as early as next year. It is a powerful, bold decision that firmly anchors Citroën in a forward-looking modernity, without ever betraying the passion and DNA that have forged its legend.

A return to competition consistent with the brand’s electrification

Since its withdrawal from the World Rally Championship (WRC) at the end of 2019, a relative silence had fallen over Citroën Racing on the international stage. That silence has now been brilliantly broken. By choosing Formula E, Citroën is not just making a comeback; it is executing a strategic pivot that perfectly resonates with its current vehicle lineup. Today, the brand stands out with a particularly comprehensive range of electrified vehicles. With the notable exception of the C5 X, every model in the passenger car lineup, from the Ami to the C5 Aircross, including the C3, C4, and C4 X, has a 100% electric version available. This strategy also extends across its entire commercial vehicle range, from the Berlingo to the Jumper. This commitment to making electric mobility accessible to the many provides immediate relevance and legitimacy to this investment in Formula E. While other manufacturers are still in their transitional phase, Citroën already has a concrete product reality. The championship will serve as both a technological laboratory and an image accelerator, creating a clear bridge between the series' urban circuits and the brand's showrooms.

A monumental sporting heritage as a launchpad

Entering a new discipline is always a huge challenge, but Citroën is not stepping into unfamiliar territory in the world of motorsport. The brand's record of achievement speaks for itself, showcasing a deep-rooted culture of winning and exceptional technical expertise. One cannot forget the epic African rally-raids, including four victories in the demanding Paris-Dakar Rally, which built the brand’s reputation for toughness and reliability. More recently, the WRC era was a demonstration of absolute dominance. With eight World Rally Championship titles for Manufacturers, Citroën Racing commanded the sport for over a decade, leaving a lasting mark with iconic cars like the Xsara, C4, and DS3 WRC. The versatility of Citroën's expertise has also been proven on the racetrack. Its entry into the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) was a resounding success, crowned with three consecutive world titles. This rich heritage of success, this ability to develop high-performance technology and manage top-level teams, provides a solid foundation upon which the new Formula E venture can be built. The brand fully intends to leverage this wealth of experience to once again compete for the top honors.

The choice of Formula E is also the choice of a modern and powerful communication platform. This return to a premier international championship will naturally provide Citroën with increased global visibility. However, beyond mere presence, it is the very nature of the championship that is so compelling. Formula E is renowned for its spectacular races held in the hearts of the world's greatest cities, from Tokyo and Monaco to São Paulo and London. This concept of urban "E-Prix" events allows the sport to connect with a different kind of audience—one that is younger, more digitally connected, and particularly attuned to the challenges of sustainable mobility and new technologies. This presents a unique opportunity for Citroën to refresh its image and engage with a new generation of fans and potential customers. By committing to this visionary and responsible championship, Citroën is not just reconnecting with its glorious past; it is projecting itself into the future, demonstrating that it is a key player in the mobility of tomorrow. To learn the finer details of this exciting program, including the drivers and team structure, we will have to wait just a little longer.

Citroën has scheduled a further announcement for October 20th. The countdown has begun!