Source – X
Season 3 champion Lucas di Grassi is set to continue his longstanding relationship with the ABT team as it transitions into ABT Lola for Season 11. This new chapter marks the continuation of a decade-long collaboration between the Brazilian driver and the German team. ABT Lola will debut with a powertrain developed by the iconic British brand Lola Cars, in collaboration with Yamaha Motor Company.
ABT CEO Thomas Biermaier expressed his excitement about the ongoing partnership with di Grassi. “We are delighted to continue our journey in Formula E with Lucas. Not only is he a great ambassador for our team and the entire championship, but like all of us, he is eager and fully motivated to finally be successful again,” Biermaier said. He emphasized the importance of having such an experienced driver as they embark on the challenges of working with a new manufacturer.
Di Grassi’s impressive record in Formula E, with 131 races and an unmatched 47 podiums, makes him one of the most successful drivers in the series. His continued presence is seen as a significant asset, especially as ABT Lola integrates a new powertrain and navigates the complexities of this transition. Mark Preston, Lola Cars Motorsport Director, highlighted di Grassi’s invaluable contributions during testing and his fit as the ideal driver for their motorsport return. “Having a driver with such experience, skill, and dedication as Lucas is a huge boost as a new manufacturer entering the series. These attributes, combined with his existing relationship with ABT, make Lucas the ideal person to have at the wheel for our return to motorsport,” Preston said.
Di Grassi himself expressed a deep sense of loyalty and enthusiasm for the partnership. “ABT is my family. I have experienced the best moments of my career there and have full confidence in the people who work hard every day to achieve success – so I am happy that we are also tackling the new challenges together,” he remarked. The Brazilian driver had already taken the first wheel of the new era in mid-June during the shakedown of the Lola Yamaha race car in the UK, marking the debut of the new GEN3 Evo design with its newly-developed powertrain.
This collaboration brings together the rich motorsport heritage and technical prowess of Lola and Yamaha, with a focus on sustainability. Lola’s entry into Formula E with ABT is part of a broader joint venture exploring sustainable motorsport, including electrification, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels and materials. ABT will continue to leverage its extensive experience to manage the race team’s operations, with Lola providing specialized support as the manufacturer.
Looking ahead, ABT Lola will soon decide on the second driver to join di Grassi, with all teams set to convene for Formula E’s official test in Valencia, Spain, at the beginning of November. Di Grassi’s involvement and the collaboration with Lola and Yamaha promise an exciting future for ABT Lola as they strive for success in the forthcoming season.
As ABT Lola enters this new phase, the combination of di Grassi’s experience and the innovative powertrain development signals a strong commitment to achieving success and sustainability in motorsport. The team is poised for a busy and promising season ahead, building on their rich history and looking forward to new achievements in Formula E.