Neuburg a.d.Donau, February 20,2020 – Kelvin van der Linde and Mattia Drudi will start for Audi at the Formula E rookie test in Marrakesh. A day after the fifth round of the series on February 29, the two youngsters from South Africa and Italy get one day to gain experience in the fully electric series. At the same time, they will support the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler squad with its development work.
Both Kelvin van der Linde and Mattia Drudi have long been part of the Audi family. I mean albeit in a different discipline. Drudi joined the driver line-up of the Audi Sport customer racing team in February 2019. He also contested the Spa 24 Hours. That’s among others, at the wheel of an Audi R8 LMS.
Audi Race Deets
Over the last few months, the 21-year-old has supported the two regular drivers. That’s Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi with work in the Formula E simulator. Kelvin van der Linde (23) is a member of the Audi Sport customer racing team since 2015. He has won the ADAC GT Masters drivers’ title twice. The Nürburgring 24 Hours, as well as other endurance races for Audi.
Simulator Audi Race
After many hours in the virtual world, Mattia Drudi now heads into “real life” Formula E. “I’ve always supported the Formula E project with my simulator work. It’s cool to now join the Audi team on a race weekend. I’m looking forward to working with this squad,” says Drudi. He adds that he’s excited to see what the atmosphere will be like on the track.
“On television, the races look really exhilarating and the drivers and fans seem to have a great time. Gaining experience in driving the real car will also be important for my work in the simulator,” Drudi says.
Support for the Rookies
The support from the two rookies is invaluable for the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team. It tackles the fifth Formula E race of the season in Marrakesh. All with its regular drivers Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi the day before the test.
Allan McNish is the team principle. He says he’s looking forward to having Mattia and Kelvin on track in their cars. They will actually have more time in the car than Daniel and Lucas will have during the race day.
Conclusion
“They have both been in our simulator and will be working closely with our engineers preparing themselves for the rookie test, says McNish. “We want to give them a real feeling for Formula E, while at the same time helping us to prepare for the next races.”
The rookie test on Sunday, March 1, 2020, is split into a morning and afternoon session. Only drivers who have never contested a Formula E race and who do not hold an E-license are permitted to take part.
Source: Audi AG: Release Date: 20 February 2020
