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Abt retained by Audi for season five

Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler have confirmed that Daniel Abt will continue with the team into next season, his fifth with the outfit and second as a factory driver.

Season four has seen the coming-of-age for Abt, who brushed off doubts of his worthiness to be in the team and took his maiden victory in Mexico City before going on to dominate his home E-Prix in Berlin.

His newfound speed has been rewarded by the team as he will be in action when the new Gen2 cars make their race debut in December.

“Daniel has been showing strong performances in succession this season and in my view has enormously developed further both on and off the race track,” says Dieter Gass, Head of Audi Motorsport. “Formula E with new cars and changed regulations is at the beginning of a new era. With our proven German-Brazilian duo we intend to attack again.”

The German’s involvement with the team had previously come under fire amidst suggestions that he was only there due to his family connections, which Abt now believes will be put to bed as he looks for further victories.

“It’s always good to show what you can do and I’ve always had the belief that I can do it,” said Abt. “I went through good times and a lot of tough times also, that helps me to grow and I’ll keep pushing, but there shouldn’t be any more discussions, I’ve shown I can do it and I’ll keep trying to win races.”

While still mathematically able to take the title this season, Abt is remaining realistic about his chances and will prioritise the fight in the team’s standings, where Audi currently lie 43 points behind Techeetah.

“The constructor’s championship is more realistic so we’re definitely going for that, but I’m not looking at stats, I’m just wanna win again! I love the feeling, it’s amazing and we’ll keep pushing.

“In season five we will have a lot of new stuff, so first we need to sort that out, go testing and do our work, but I see no reason why we shouldn’t be going for it next season.”

Abt will once again partner the already-contracted Lucas di Grassi, while Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters driver Nico Müller will act as the test and development driver.

About Topher Smith
Topher is an experienced and passionate Motorsport journalist with Formula E, Formula 1, GP2/F2, GP3 and IndyCar all on his resume. When he isn't at the trackside you can find him furthering his own capabilities and knowledge through his endless search for original ideas and material. Also plays league pool.