Perera to Sub for Ineichen at Norisring

Franck Perera has been called up as a late substitute for Rolf Ineichen at the DTM round at the Norisring as the Swiss driver is unable to compete due to illness.

Perera will be taking over Ineichen’s No. 19 GRT Grasser Racing Team Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo, thus making his DTM debut.

Although the Lamborghini factory driver has never raced in the series before, he has Norisring experience from his time in the Formula 3 Euro Series.

“I am delighted to be racing in DTM for the first time in my career. I will do my best to be a worthy replacement for Rolf in the number 19 car,” said Perera.

“Moreover, it is nice to be working with GRT again and to be back at Norisring. I have very good memories of this great venue from my time in Formula 3 and I can hardly await to be racing there again after such a long time.” 

Perera is no stranger to the Austrian squad. In his first year as a Lamborghini factory driver, the Frenchman took a GTD class victory in the Rolex 24 at Daytona teaming with Ineichen, Mirko Bortolotti and Rik Breukers.

In the years that followed, the 38-year-old continued to race for Grasser in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, ADAC GT Masters and Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWD.

Team principal Grasser indicated that Ineichen had been battling illness since the start of the week.

“Surprisingly, Rolf fell ill at the beginning of the week and I wish him a speedy recovery on behalf of the entire Grasser Racing Team,”  said Grasser.

“We are relieved that Franck is able to step in at such a short notice. With him, we have worked together very well in the past years.

“Especially at Norisring, we are lucky to have him as a replacement. We are the first time at this track and therefore it is important to rely on a driver who knows the team in this unexpected situation.”

The Austrian squad continues to field four Lamborghini entries in the series, with Perera sharing the garage with rookies Clemens Schmid and Alessio Deledda as well as fellow factory ace Bortolotti.