Di Grassi praises 'super unique' ABT Lola Formula E approach

Lucas di Grassi has praised ABT Lola's "super unique" approach to the upcoming Formula E season, which marks the British manufacturer's return to motorsport. 

Historic British manufacturer Lola has partnered with ABT to be its powertrain supplier for Season 11, whilst it has also committed to the all-electric series until at least 2030. 

Lola's entry is being overlooked by multiple significant figures, including its motorsports director Mark Preston. Whilst DS Techeetah's team principal, Preston led the team to three titles. 

Lola's arrival for the introduction of Gen3 EVO is incredibly exciting for Di Grassi who feels motivated once again following two difficult seasons. 

What has really impressed the Season 3 champion though, is the level of input he has had in the ABT Lola project.

"I love challenges and I also love technology," Di Grassi told RacingNews365 in an exclusive interview. 

"Developing a car from scratch is something super unique and there are only a few opportunities to develop a project from scratch, especially when you are with with a manufacturer. 

"Normally, the driver is put on the side, and you only put in a little bit of input, but not a lot. With Lola, it has been the opposite, and I really like the technical team. 

McLaren and Mercedes personnel

In addition to Preston, the ABT Lola project has seen individuals join from both McLaren and Mercedes, as revealed by Di Grassi.

Whilst the British manufacturer might be new to FE, it does consist of personnel with plenty of experience in the all-electric category.

ABT Lola also has the additional technical support of Yamaha, who, like Lola, are new to FE.

However, an initial difficulty, as pointed out by Di Grassi, is the opening rounds of the season, due to Lola and Yamaha being two campaigns behind the other teams with the Gen3 machinery. 

"We have very experienced people, people that have been very successful, like the ABT family, like Mark Preston with three titles, guys coming from McLaren and Mercedes," explained the 40-year-old.

"So the team is new, but the total amount of experience is very good. I know it's going to be hard, especially the first few races because we are two years behind everybody with the Gen3 car, but I think the car has a good base. 

"The car was made in a good way with good suppliers. Yamaha is putting a lot of effort in also, they are behind because they don't know what Formula E is. 

"They are coming on, and they have to take their time. But from the first test, everything was already working, and now it's a matter of making it better and better."