Mikaël Grenier: “There is real enthusiasm for the DTM”

Mikaël Grenier is on all fronts in 2022. After the 24 Hours of Dubai, the 12 Hours of the Gulf, the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 9 Hours of Kyalami, the Quebecer discovers Asian Le Mans Series with SPS automotive performance. With success, since he won both rounds of the 4 Hours of Dubai last weekend with his teammates Valentin Plerburg and John Loggie: “I already knew SPS well, but not this championship that I am discovering. We had a very good weekend in Dubai and we hope to continue in Abu Dhabi. »

The 29-year-old driver now hopes to finish the job at the Yas Marina circuit to clinch the GT Am title. “You have to be careful not to make a mistake. of objective, Mikaël Grenier told us in the Emirati paddock. Sometimes we want more, but the goal remains the GT Am title. Yas Marina is a more difficult circuit for the Mercedes with these long straights, but we already drove here at the beginning of January for the 12 Hours of the Gulf, so we know the track well. » Performances which confirm a good start to 2022 for the native of Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury. “The 24 Hours of Dubai went very well with a third position. We thought we could win Daytona until the early hours, but we had to return to the garage due to some problems. I am still very happy with my start to the year. »

Le DTM, “an opportunity to seize”

The Canadian is not going to stop there in 2022, since he was recently announced by Mercedes-AMG as a starting driver in DTM, in the GruppeM Racing team where he will be associated with the experienced Maro Engel (35 years). A new direction in Mikaël Grenier's career. “It happened quickly when I was in Dubai. I know the GruppeM engineer well, so he was the one who made the first contacts. I'm very happy, it's a new challenge, because these are more sprint races in DTM whereas I'm more used to endurance races in recent years. The fact that it is now GT3 in DTM should limit my adaptation time. » 

The Mercedes driver will not, however, be completely in unknown lands: “ I have already sprinted in the past in GT World Challenge. I love this format, but there is a real enthusiasm for the DTM and the level will be very high this year. It's not something I thought about in the short term, but the door opened in January and it was very important to be able to seize this opportunity. Sespecially with GruppeM which is a very good team and Maro, who I know very well having ridden with him in endurance, and who will be my teammate. I will work hard to have a good season. » In addition to his season in DTM, Mikaël Grenier will continue the season inEndurance en IMSA and should also participate in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, among others. A decidedly busy year 2022 for the Canadian.

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