ABT CUPRA goes to Bella Italia to fight for Formula E points

Formula E comes to Europe: Misano will host rounds six and seven of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship next weekend (13 and 14 April). ABT CUPRA and its drivers Lucas di Grassi and Nico Müller will be looking to build on their recent strong performance in Tokyo, where Müller scored the team’s first race points after a good qualifying session.
 
Formula E uses a 3.382-kilometre short version of the circuit at Misano. There are 28 laps to be completed on Saturday and 26 on Sunday. Both races start at 15:00 local time. A free practice session for rookies is scheduled for Friday at 14:30. For ABT CUPRA, Tim Tramnitz will take over the number 11 car from Lucas di Grassi for half an hour.
 
The ABT motorsport department will be in action three times this week: Kelvin van der Linde, Jordan Pepper and Marco Mapelli will compete in the 24-hour qualifying race at the Nürburgring on Saturday and Sunday. The first official test for the new DTM in Hockenheim has started on Monday. 
 
Thomas Biermaier, ABT CEO and Team Principal: “Consistently scoring points”
“It’s great that Formula E is finally coming to Europe. We’re looking forward to the Misano­–Monaco–Berlin triple-header with lots of fans, guests and media supporting us at the track. We already know the Misano circuit from the DTM and have had some exciting races there. Our goal is clear: to continue scoring points with both drivers. The two-week rhythm we are currently in with Formula E is stressful, but also a lot of fun. This week is full of action for ABT, as our brand will also be competing on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife and at DTM tests.” 
 
Nico Müller, #51: “Hit the reset button”
“We all have to hit the reset button before the two races at Misano because the track characteristics and conditions are completely different to what we have had recently. The different race distances on Saturday and Sunday, which also require different energy management strategies, are a particular challenge. We have prepared intensively in the simulator for all eventualities and will travel to Italy well prepared.”
 
Lucas di Grassi, #11: “Clear goal for the weekend”
“After the debut in Japan, the next new circuit on the calendar. But the difference between Tokyo and Misano could hardly be greater: We’re going to a normal track, without any bumps or jumps. Energy management and strategy will play a big role. The clear goal for the weekend is to finally score the first points of the season for our side of the garage.”

 
Did you know that …
 
… Lucas di Grassi’s DNA test showed that he has 91 percent Italian genetic material?
 
… the event is the second so-called double-header this season after Diriyah?
 
… Italian is one of the six languages that Nico Müller speaks fluently?
 
… ABT has already contested the STW Championship (1999) and the DTM (2018, 2019) at Misano?
 
… Nico Müller won in 2019?
 
… Christian Abt also won the race at Misano in 1999?
 
… Tim Tramnitz will be driving a free practice session for the team on Friday afternoon?
 
… the 19-year-old Red Bull Junior has already tested as a rookie for ABT CUPRA in Berlin in 2023?
 
… Tramnitz is a squad driver for Motorsport Team Germany and has been a member of the ADAC Sports Foundation squad for seven years?
 
… Hans-Jürgen Abt, CEO of the ABT Group, has been a member of the board of trustees of the ADAC Sports Foundation since this year?
 
… the ABT team from Kempten travels by car to Misano, a good 650 kilometers away?
 
… after the recent Japanese rock sounds, there is a chance for a well-curated Italian playlist in the pits?
 
… partner CUPRA has invited a lot of media to Misano?
 
… CUPRA Board Member Dr. Werner Tietz and Head of Motorsport Xavi Serra will also be in Misano?