Formula E: Lucas di Grassi to Continue with ABT CUPRA, Commits to Lola/Yamaha Project
Lucas di Grassi and ABT CUPRA will extend their 10-year partnership into a new era of Formula E with Lola Cars and a Yamaha-developed powertrain next season.
By Divyam Dubey
Abt Formula E has confirmed the retention of Lucas di Grassi for the forthcoming season as the team embarks on a new chapter with the Lola/Yamaha powertrain. The Brazilian racing veteran's career is deeply intertwined with Abt, where he clinched the 2016/17 drivers' championship during a seven-year stint. Following a two-year absence, di Grassi made a return to the team at the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign. A major player in Formula E, di Grassi's vast experience is underscored by his record-breaking 47 podium finishes in 131 races. His continued presence in the Abt lineup bolsters the team's aspirations for success in the electric racing series.
Di Grassi 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.'
ABT 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.'
Formula E: Lola/Yamaha Powertrain
Abt Formula E has entered a new phase by partnering with Lola and Yamaha. This collaboration marks a significant step for the team in the electric racing series. In mid-June, Lucas di Grassi, the team's experienced driver, tested the new GEN3 Evo race car with the Lola/Yamaha powertrain during a shakedown in the UK. This event marked Abt's transition from using Mahindra's powertrain. Abt will continue to manage race team operations, leveraging its extensive motorsport experience. Lola, the powertrain manufacturer, in partnership with Yamaha, has developed a sophisticated powertrain and software. This collaboration highlights Abt's commitment to innovation and competitiveness in Formula E.
Di Grassi said: '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.
Abt Lola is in the final stages of selecting a second driver to partner with Lucas di Grassi for the upcoming Formula E season. The team aims to finalize its driver lineup before the official pre-season test in Valencia, Spain, scheduled for early November.
