The driver Christian Engelhart will return to the DTM with the Grasser team at the Nurburgring circuit, replacing the injured Maximilian Paul. Engelhart, 39, will drive the Lamborghini Temerario with starting number 19, after Paul was unable to participate in Oschersleben due to a serious accident at Norisring.
For the upcoming event, Grasser has acquired a new chassis, allowing Mirko Bortolotti to have a teammate. Engelhart returns to the DTM after two years, a decision made jointly by the team and Lamborghini. The team director, Gottfried Grasser, has expressed satisfaction with the pilot’s return.
Engelhart’s selection surprised many, given his competition with drivers like Franck Perera and Patric Niederhauser, who have more experience with the new Temerario GT3. However, Engelhart has driven the vehicle in numerous tests and achieved a victory in the DTM at Oschersleben in 2023 with the Porsche from Toksport WRT.
A feeling of coming home
Engelhart has had significant successes with Grasser, including the endurance title in the Blancpain GT Series in 2017 and the victory in the GTD class at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2019. Additionally, he has competed in the ADAC GT Masters championship. Engelhart started the 2024 DTM season as a regular driver, but a knee injury forced him to leave the competition.
After 17 races in the DTM, the 2021 GT Masters champion is back in action for the injured Paul, wishing him a quick recovery. “I am very excited to return to the DTM with GRT and Lamborghini. I have many successful moments associated with this team and brand,” said Engelhart.
An imminent return for Paul?
According to Gottfried Grasser, Paul, who suffered fractures to his ankle and spine just over a month ago, is showing progress that could facilitate his return sooner than expected. He could be ready to participate in the weekend at Sachsenring (September 11-13), with an official test scheduled for August 23.
A return to competition just 50 days after the accident would be a surprising reappearance, considering the severity of his injuries. Grasser emphasized the importance of the tests for Paul, both physically and mentally. If all goes well, it is plausible that he could return to racing soon.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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