Daniel Abt finds a steering wheel at NIO

The future of Daniel Abt Formula E was going to be difficult after his end of contract with Audi Sport. The 27-year-old German was caught for cheating during a virtual Race at Home Challenge event where he was replaced by a professional player. Nevertheless, the NIO 333 Formula E team selected him for the remaining rounds of the 2019–2020 season as a replacement for Ma Qing Hua.

“It was an interesting prospect to engage with Daniel for the final in Berlin, confided Vincent Wang, the team director of NIO… The controversies surrounding the Race at Home Challenge were quite significant and I was torn between two choices. After speaking with several personalities from the paddock, we have decided to allow Daniel to return to Formula E. We welcome him to the team with open arms and hope that the national star will redouble his efforts to conclude this extraordinary season in style. »

Daniel Abt will travel to Great Britain in July to take the wheel of the NIO 333 FE-005 in order to meet the team and get used to the structure's specific systems.

“I made a mistake and I took responsibility for my actions for that, commented the new recruit of NIO. Now it's time for me to move forward and get back to doing what I love most: racing. I warmly thank NIO 333 for giving me this opportunity. I have no ill will towards anyone. I just want to do my best and help the team finish the season on a good note. »

Alongside Oliver Rowland, NIO 33 Formula E has secured a choice recruit for the end of the season. The last six races will be contested in Berlin, an event where Daniel Abt won in the fourth season starting from pole. The German is an experienced driver in Formula E having been present in the discipline since its debut in 2014. After a long break linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, the season will resume on August 5 in Germany.