Munich - German carmaker BMW has made clear it is content for now outside of Formula 1.
Times writer Kevin Eason said: "They walked out of F1 seven years ago and now BMW has signaled that they are not coming back.
"Instead, F1's loss of one of the biggest brand names in motoring will be Formula E's gain."
A return to Le Mans on the cards
Indeed, BMW has announced that it is staying in DTM and teaming up with former F1 driver Michael Andretti's team in the all-electric single seater series.
More: Formula E: Jaguar returns to racing with electric car
Eason said: "As well as Formula E, BMW will also return to the 24 hours of Le Mans endurance race."
BMW board member Klaus Frohlich confirmed: "The commitments allow us to demonstrate our expertise in the areas of technology and integration on international platforms."
Let battle commence! Both @audisport & @BMWMotorsport have now confirmed their involvement in #FormulaE pic.twitter.com/ZONW914ZBb
— FIA Formula E (@FIAformulaE) September 27, 2016