Grasser Lineup Clarifies for Oschersleben
The Grasser team will compete at the upcoming DTM Oschersleben weekend with only Mirko Bortolottis behind the wheel of their Lamborghini Temerario GT3.
After Maximilian Paus suffered critical fractures at Norisring, the Austrian outfit had to seek a replacement driver and spin‑up a second machine. According to team principal Gottfried Grasser, logistical constraints tied to parts deliveries prevent the car’s timely repair.
Parts Delivery Delays Cut Recovery Time
Grasser explained that the chassis of the damaged GT3 survived the crash, but the front end suffered extensive damage when it struck Kelvin van der Linde’s BMW. The required components are replaceable, yet missing scheduled shipments have stalled the rebuild.
Lamborghini’s own distribution push at season start has strained spare part availability further; the team can’t rely on a brand‑new replacement from the factory.
Goal: Return by Nurburgring
Grasser is targeting the sixth DTM weekend at Nurburgring—one month from now—as the moment when a second forced‑built GT3 can rejoin the grid. “We’re negotiating with Lamborghini to have the logistics in place, which we see as realistic,” he stated.
Grid Impacted by Paul’s Injury
Paul’s tibia, fibula, and lumbar vertebra fractures mean the field will shrink to 20 cars at Oschersleben, with no second Grasser entry available.
Other Drivers to Watch
BMW factory teammate Kelvin van der Linde, who also suffered bruising in the Norisring collision, will return to the cockpit of his rebuilt M4 GT3 Evo. He completed a 70‑lap test at Oschersleben eleven days post‑accident, describing himself as fit for race duty.
Van der Linde will also feature in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint at Misano alongside Charles Weerts.
Maximilian Paus faces a lengthy rehabilitation period before he can resume racing, with recovery expected to take several months.
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