Grasser Racing to Field Two Lamborghinis at Nürburgring DTM Race
Grasser Racing: Doubling Down for Nürburgring DTM Challenge
Grasser Racing's Return to Two-Car Lineup at Nürburgring
The Grasser team has officially announced its participation with two Lamborghini Temerario GT3 cars at the upcoming DTM race in Nürburgring. This decision follows a period of logistical challenges that left them unable to present Maximilian Paul's vehicle for the Oschersleben event after it sustained significant damage and was deemed beyond repair by Lamborghini.
The Challenge of Securing a Second Lamborghini
Team principal Gottfried Grasser confirmed the acquisition of a new chassis to facilitate the two-car entry. He stated, "We will be racing again with two cars at the Nürburgring. We bought a new chassis – that is the solution now. According to Lamborghini, the other car is not repairable." This strategic move ensures the DTM grid returns to its full complement of 21 cars.
The Quest for the Second Driver: Who Joins Mirko Bortolotti?
With the car secured, attention now turns to the crucial question of who will pilot the number 19 Lamborghini Temerario GT3, joining Oschersleben winner Mirko Bortolotti. Grasser indicated that the selection is still pending, but it will undoubtedly be a Lamborghini factory driver. The pool of candidates is somewhat restricted given Lamborghini's limited factory driver roster, an aspect overseen by the Italian brand itself.
Contenders for the Coveted Lamborghini Seat
Several prominent Lamborghini factory drivers are in contention. Franck Perera, a French driver with prior DTM experience, is a strong candidate. He is intimately familiar with both the Temerario GT3 and the Grasser team, having competed with them in the GT World Challenge Europe endurance series. Perera's DTM history includes a victory at Oschersleben in 2023 with SSR Performance and a podium finish at Norisring in 2024 as a substitute driver. However, his past dynamic with Bortolotti at SSR was not always ideal.
Potential Comebacks: Engelhart and Niederhauser
Christian Engelhart also emerges as a hopeful for a DTM return. The 39-year-old German celebrated a DTM win in 2023 and achieved a podium with Grasser's Lamborghini at Hockenheim. His 2024 season was cut short due to a knee injury requiring surgery. Another strong contender is Swiss driver Patric Niederhauser, who demonstrated his skill by securing a third-place finish in the GTWC Sprint Series at Magny-Cours, driving a Lamborghini Temerario GT3.
International Talent and Future Prospects
British driver Sandy Mitchell, who recently secured Lamborghini Temerario GT3's maiden victory in the USA at Elkhart Lake in the IMSA Sportscar Championship, is also a consideration. While Mitchell has participated in test drives with SSR, he lacks extensive DTM experience. Looking beyond Nürburgring, Grasser anticipates needing a substitute for the Sachsenring event in September. The possibility of Maximilian Paul's return for the season finale in Hockenheim in October remains uncertain, adding further intrigue to the team's driver lineup for the remainder of the season
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