Formula E: Di Grassi to race for ROKiT Venturi Racing in Season 8
Former Formula E World Champion Lucas di Grassi has joined ROKiT Venturi Racing ahead of Season 8 of the all-electric racing series.
Di Grassi will partner Edoardo Mortara for the forthcoming season as the Monegasque side looks to build on its most successful season in Formula E.
ROKiT Venturi came seventh in the Team’s Championship last season, with Edoardo Mortara coming second in the Driver’s Championship also. Lucas di Grassi, who came seventh in the previous campaign, will now replace Frenchman Norman Nato in the lineup.
The Brazilian di Grassi is the most successful driver in Formula E’s history, with 12 wins and 35 podiums from 84 races and having claimed the Championship in Season 3 back in 2016/17.
Commenting on the news, Di Grassi said: “Anyone who knows me know how competitive I am – driving for a team that I know can fight at the front and really challenge for the championship is essential for me. ROKiT Venturi Racing was simply the best choice and I’m really happy to be part of the team.
“I’ve followed Venturi since Season 1 and I know that they have a strong history in Monaco. The team performed very, very well last season. You can see that the team has progressed a lot in recent years, the momentum is really there and they have shown clear improvements in every area.
“Edo had a fantastic season, really strong, he was fighting for the title until the very end and there were many times over the season that I was racing both Venturi cars and I could see how competitive they were.
“It’s not just about the team though, I’m really happy to drive alongside Edo, we’ve known each other for a very long time, we part of the Audi program together, I respect him as a driver, as a human – he’s a very talented driver and a great character, I think we’re going to work really well together.”
Di Grassi’s teammate for the upcoming season, Edo Mortara, commented: “I’m really happy to be continuing with the team and it’s a pleasure to welcome Lucas to the family. We had a very strong season this year, my best so far in Formula E, which was also testimony to the hard work of the team around me.
“We’re on good trajectory and we want to maintain that moving forward. Competing against Lucas in the past he has always been extremely competitive and he’s very good when it comes to energy management – one of the most critical points to being successful in Formula E. The progress we made in Season 7 was great but there is still plenty to do and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Team Principal of ROKiT Venturi Racing, Susie Wolff, added: “Last season we demonstrated that we have a strong package, there were many highlights throughout the season starting with a podium and finishing with a win. Edo showcased to everyone what we have known all along – that he’s a World Championship contender.
“Moving forward to Season 8, Edo is joined by Lucas – a proven Formula E Championship winner who also brings a wealth of experience. They will push each other and drive us forward as a team.
“To have both cars scoring points in every race is essential for us for the Teams’ Championship and with our new driver line-up, there’s a lot to feel optimistic about heading into Season 8.”
