Lucas di Grassi impressed by the Audi RS5 DTM

After a contested season with Virgin Racing, Lucas di Grassi turned to Audi withEndurance by completing the R18 crews from last year. Its performance quickly convinced the Ingolstadt manufacturer, which is still using its services this year. The brand with the rings even invited the Brazilian to test the RS5 DTM carried out last week on the Red Bull Ring in preparation for the Oschersleben race on September 15. The former pilot of F1 was thus able to discover the specificities of this discipline. “The RS5 DTM is fascinating, I quickly felt at home and it didn't take long for me to find the limits. The DTM is a discipline of the highest level and the RS5 DTM requires a particular driving technique. It's just a shame that we had to revise our plans because of the weather, it's hard to compare times and draw a conclusion. But this test was very enriching. »

Like so many others before him, Lucas di Grassi was impressed by the performance of the DTM cars which benefit from very good grip, even reminding him of the R18 e-tron quattro with which he took the podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “I don't think there is another touring car discipline that is more like LMP. The RS5 DTM offers a lot of aerodynamic downforce and is relatively light. Its braking efficiency is truly impressive. Thanks to the carbon brakes and supports, you can brake very late while keeping the car stable. It was nice to see that Mattias Ekström and I shared the same outlook on the car. Our driving techniques and our feedback to the engineers were very similar. »

If the Brazilian was excited by this test at the wheel of the Audi RS5 DTM, he nevertheless remains focused on his program in WEC and intends to continue its efforts in the world of Endurance. “No, (this does not necessarily bind me to the DTM). One of the reasons I got behind the wheel is that rookies were accepted and I'm obviously a beginner in a DTM car. I have a medium-term contract with Audi and I am fully focused on the LMP program where I am also scheduled for next year. I hope I was able to help my colleagues in the DTM with the combination of my experience in F1 and LMP, although everyone knows that excellent drivers and exemplary staff are under contract in the program Audi DTM and they know exactly what they are doing without me. »