Lucas di Grassi has been confirmed as one of the drivers for Lola’s first venture back into top-level motorsport.
The Brazilian veteran will continue with the ABT team as the German outfit joins forces with the British manufacturing giant, in conjunction with Japanese giants Yamaha.
Di Grassi is the elder statesman of Formula E, boasting a record 131 starts and 47 podium finishes, including 13 wins and the 2016-17 championship. He was also the first man to drive a Lola-branded Formula E car back in June, when he tested its GEN3 Evo model in preparation for Season 11.
Lola have stated that a decision on di Grassi’s team-mate will be made “in the coming weeks”.
In a statement, Lola’s Director of Motorsport, Mark Preston, said:
“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.
“His knowledge and feedback during testing have already proven invaluable and we look forward to hitting the track together in Season 11.”
ABT’s CEO Thomas Biermaier said: “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.
“We know that working with a new manufacturer brings many challenges. This makes it all the more important for us to have the most experienced driver at our side in Lucas, in addition to the permanent members of the team.”
Di Grassi himself said:
“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.
“It’s a very exciting project with people who know what it takes to be successful in Formula E, alongside two renowned brands in Lola and Yamaha with a wealth of motorsport heritage and technical prowess.
“We have a few busy weeks ahead of us. Together we will do everything we can to be successful as soon as possible.”
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