Mirko Bortolotti’s new adventure in the DTM has started very well and after four races he is one of the potential title winners.
The 2022 season of the German series, second with the GT3s on the grid, includes the Trentino rider, who fights behind the wheel of the Lamborghini Huracan prepared by the Grasser Racing Team.
In addition to the well-known endurance commitments in which the standard bearer of the Sant’Agata Bolognese company takes part, today there is also this new challenge that sees him alone at the wheel, ready to give everything and being able to concentrate on himself.
Motorsport.com met Bortolotti, who in this exclusive interview gives an initial assessment of the championship, what he liked and how he plans to continue for the remaining commitments, next of which on the Imola home track over the weekend.
Mirko Bortolotti, Grasser Racing Team Lamborghini Huracán EVO GT3
Photo by: Andreas Beil
Mirko, what is your balance at the beginning of the season after two events?
“I think we started on the right foot, in the end some races could have gone better, but even worse. I think in the end we have the points we deserve, too bad for the Lausitzring because in Race 2 we could have done a little better, so I have a bit of regret, but all in all we did a great job “.
Among other things, as rookies, since you only raced in Assen in 2021 …
“Yes, we must not forget this aspect. We are new to the category, starting from scratch and without the experience of the previous year. But the guys in the team have prepared well and we have shown it by making four perfect pit stops. able to fight for the top, which at this point of the season is very important for me; it means that we have worked well and are continuing very well. “
Did you expect to be immediately in front?
“We are second in the standings after four races, as I have always said my ambitions are every time to fight for the top and for the title. From my point of view, I expected to have a few more points, but honestly I also believe that the The grid is very competitive, so I can only say that I am delighted with the work we are doing. It will be important to continue like this to fight for the championship. “
Mirko Bortolotti, Grasser Racing Team Lamborghini Huracán EVO GT3
Photo by: Andreas Beil
Are the points left on the road more due to your own mistakes, the team’s mistakes or problems with the car?
“It must be emphasized that the DTM is a truly competitive championship, so some decisions, such as making a pit stop one lap before or one lap later, can totally change the fate of the race. At that moment the choice is appropriate to the situation, not I consider it a mistake, then it is clear that the next day it is easy to sum up and say that something different could have been done. In such a competitive and tight series, all the smallest details make the difference, so you just have to learn from each small aspect to improve in the future. As I said before, today I am happy with what we have done. We win and lose together, but at the moment I think we have only gained and that we can continue the season well “.
The difficulty of pit stops is not only for the team, but also for the driver who finds himself out on the track with cold tires in the middle of the brawl; how did you find yourself?
“It is difficult, but also beautiful and very interesting because it is the same situation for everyone. Managing the tire is fundamental in the DTM, the exit lap of the pit stop becomes very important when you are fighting with people who have already warmed up the tires. . Depending on the track, it may take more than one lap to be able to push again, it is a difficulty that makes everything very interesting, as well as the operating times in the pits. In some situations you shouldn’t risk too much having tires cold, you have to think about staying on track. In some tracks I think it will be a factor where this thing will make a difference. “
In the last race at the Lausitzring, punctures were a problem for many, you just escaped it. How did you do?
“We did everything well as a team, understanding right away that there could be that problem, which in my opinion was more related to the nature of the track. We worked to finish the race, trying to have the most competitive package possible and saving the tire. happy with the work we have done “.
Manuel Reuter, Sport director Grasser Racing Team, Mirko Bortolotti, Grasser Racing Team
Photo by: Andreas Beil
The DTM has accustomed us to performance reversals even within the same weekend; it’s a situation that makes it difficult to spot an opponent …
“In the DTM there are 28 of us and 27 are opponents. Potentially I think there are at least 14 cars that can fight for the title, so every day we start from scratch, regardless of what you did the day before. It is therefore important to be consistent and I am proud to have succeeded with the team in the first four races. We have to continue like this. “
You who are an endurance rider and share the cockpit with companions, in the DTM you are alone. Did you find something you were missing?
“Actually no, nothing has changed! I repeat, whether you find me alone or have to share the car, my approach does not change. What is different maybe is the work outside the car, but I am always behind the wheel. the same and I give everything I have with determination “.
The next stage is in Imola, a narrow and difficult track to race with GT3s: do you think we can fight anyway and take the door or will we see more strategy races?
“I believe that in the DTM you will always see brawl, it is the most competitive championship in GT globally today. The level of the drivers is very high and has never been seen before, this means that from now to the end of the season they will continue. seeing fights and battles, the scenario will not change. It would be very strange to see someone dominating. In Imola the characteristics of the track do not actually guarantee many overtaking, but I think the races will be equally interesting and tight “.
So all that remains is to rally the Italian fans to support you and Lamborghini!
“The goal is always to offer a great spectacle to the public, we know that the DTM has a great following. I believe, however, that the races will be decided, as always, on strategy. We also had confirmation of this at the Lausitzring, we finished sixth even though not having made any mistakes. From there you understand how little it takes to lose positions. It becomes important to make as little mistakes as possible and maximize potential. Imola in the past has been positive for both me and Lamborghini, it will be essential to continue to take heavy points ” .
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