Fittipaldi Completes WRT DTM Lineup

Photo: WRT

Pietro Fittipaldi has been confirmed as the second and final driver in WRT Team Audi Sport’s lineup for its DTM debut this year.

The Brazilian joins Jonathan Aberdein, who was announced at the Belgian team’s launch event, driving one of its two customer Audi RS5 Turbo DTMs.

Twenty-two-year-old Fittipaldi is the official test driver for Haas F1 Team and has previous experience in a combination of open-wheel and sports car series.

He was set to drive for DragonSpeed in a couple of races in the FIA World Endurance Championship ‘Super Season’ but a heavy crash at Spa-Francorchamps ruled him out of the program.

He made his racing return in the IndyCar race at Mid-Ohio in July.

Fittipaldi joined WRT for the DTM pre-season test at the Lausitzring this week, where he drove the car for the first time.

“I want to thank Team WRT and Audi Sport for their support and trust, which are allowing me to join an exciting series such as the DTM,” he said.

“It’s probably one of the most competitive series in the world, and I can’t think of a more exciting challenge. The test at the Lausitzring went very well, we did a good job and tested everything we wanted to test.

“I am very pleased to work with such a great group of people. It was my first time in Lausitz and my first time with the Audi RS 5 DTM, which is different from anything I have driven so far.

“The sessions were very useful to familiarize with the car and start exploring the limits.

“We know that we have a lot of work ahead of us and much to learn, but I am definitely enthusiastic about the package and the project.”

Added team principal Vincent Vosse: “We are delighted to welcome Pietro alongside Jonathan, and we are now fully geared to take up the challenge of our maiden season in a fantastic series such as the DTM.

“I want to thank Guenther Steiner and Haas F1 Team for allowing Pietro to be with us.

“At Team WRT, we have a long-standing tradition on betting on youth and give concrete opportunities to young, talented and fast drivers, and that has always paid off.

“It makes us proud to join the DTM with the youngest pair of drivers of the 2019 field.”

Photo: WRT

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.