The agreement sees HWA receive powertrains for the 2018–19 season, serving as a precursor to Mercedes' entry as a manufacturer team in the 2019–20 season.[40] Nissan entered the championship as a manufacturer replacing partner company Renault in their partnership with DAMS.[41] Renault cited a desire to concentrate on their Formula One programme as their motivation for leaving Formula E.[4] Techeetah switched from Renault to DS Automobiles powertrain, becoming DS Performance's partner.[42] Meanwhile, Virgin Racing switched to use an Audi powertrain.[43]