First driver confirmed for historic manufacturer return

The newly-formed ABT Lola Formula E team has announced veteran Lucas di Grassi as its first driver for the upcoming season. 

Lola are new to Formula E and are making its motorsport comeback in partnership with ABT, as its powertrain supplier. 

Di Grassi has spent several years racing for ABT in FE, with him having returned to the outfit he won the title with back in Season 4 for the start of the recently completed campaign.

Season 10 was difficult for ABT and di Grassi, although he is very excited to be continuing with the team as it starts its new partnership with Lola and also Japanese manufacturer Yamaha for Gen3 EVO.

“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,” said di Grassi.  

“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.”

Despite his results last season – di Grassi only scored four points – the FE veteran is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid. 

This makes him very valuable to both ABT and Lola, given its a new partnership and a new powertrain. The Brazilian driver's feedback and leadership, is too good for ABT to pass up on.

“We are delighted to continue our journey in Formula E with Lucas," said ABT CEO Thomas Biermaier. "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.”

For Lola specifically, di Grassi's experience is key to its own progression, having been absent from the motorsport scene for several years. 

Lola are very much entering into the unknown in the all-electric series which, again, highlights the importance of an experienced driver – di Grassi has started 131 races and its the sport's most experienced driver – leading its ship.

“Having a driver with such experience, skill and dedication as Lucas is a huge boost as a new manufacturer entering the series," said Lola Cars motorsport director, Mark Preston. 

"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.”   

An announcement on who will partner di Grassi is expected in the coming weeks.