Mirko Bortolotti is ten points behind championship leader Thomas Preining – his ex-team boss Gottfried Grasser is nevertheless “sure that he will become champion “
Before the DTM finale in Hockenheim, Lamborghini driver Mirko Bortolotti is ten points behind championship leader Thomas Preining (Manthey-Porsche), but his ex-team boss Gottfried Grasser still believes he will win the title. “He’ll do it anyway,” the Austrian, in whose team the Italian competed from 2015 to 2022, is convinced. “I believe in that 100 per cent, because Mirko is super strong at Hockenheim. “
“And for Hockenheim, the ‘Lambo’ is a good car, as we know from the past,” “When it comes down to the wire and the pressure is really high, he delivers – he’s a real biter. He might even need the ten-point deficit to really deliver there.”
Grasser knows from his own experience why Bortolotti might have an advantage in the championship fight: “I’ve never seen anyone with Mirko’s qualities in the car,” says the Austrian. “I also think that he will definitely be champion, because he has a quality that very few have: He doesn’t lose his nerve in a pressure situation. “
Acritical work “makes him even stronger “
The Lamborghini driver has already proven that this year, Grasser reminds: “He had a super race at the Lausitzring this year, where he had Feller at his back the whole time and simply didn’t make a mistake. He showed that again and again with us in qualifying last year: When we had the two sets of tyres, he often only went out once – and still took pole. There he is simply a bench.”
“That’s incredible. And that’s the Mirko,” “If you give him a good car, he can work wonders. In the whole driver market, for me there are a maximum of five drivers who are similar, but one who is the best. And that’s what he will always be for me.”
But talent is not the only factor, the experienced team boss knows. “Mirko has inherited a lot of talent, but what makes him even stronger is his meticulous work,” says Grasser, who was able to get to know the Italian’s precise preparation and unbridled ambition in his own team.
“I’m happy about his every victory “
“You can often tell what makes people tick by their choice of words,” says Grasser. “And if you pay a little attention and listen, you know exactly. He considers every step and every word, is aware of every situation. That’s why he always makes the right decisions.”
Why the Austrian is rooting for his former protégé, even though Bortolotti moved from Grasser to rival SSR Performance this year? “The connection is still completely the same and I’m happy about every victory of his as well,” reveals Grasser, who benefited from his ex-driver’s knowledge at the Nürburgring. “And he will win this as well. I feel that. “
