Top International - Lucas Di Grassi’s Brazilian blend

Born in Sao Paulo thirty years ago, Lucas Di Grassi arrives at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace this weekend as a firm crowd favourite and local hero.

Di Grassi, who first raced at the adjoining Interlagos kart track when he was just nine years old, is relishing the opportunity to race in front of his home fans in the #1 Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R18 e-tron quattro that he shares with Loïc Duval and for one last time – ‘Mr Le Mans’ Tom Kristensen.

“It will be special at Interlagos for sure because I have such happy memories of making my debut with Audi here in 2012,” said Di Grassi. “You know, I actually have not done that many races here at the track because I came to England to race in F3 when I was just 19 years old. I remember racing here in 2003 in the South American F3 Championship and having a big fight with Danilo Dirani, who also came to British F3 with me at the same time. They were special times but to race now with a great team like Audi in front of a lot of home fans will be fantastic.

Lucas, a proud Paulista, even remembers good times at his uncles kart shop, which was based at the Interlagos complex.

“He had a nice little shop just close to turn three and we used to go there and play with the karts and equipment. Again, good times and it just shows you what a close community karting and racing has in Brazil. When I was a kid Ayrton (Senna), Rubens (Barrichello) and Christian (Fittipaldi) were all F1 stars and we used to see them race at the Grand Prix which gave us the drive to make a career in racing. The atmosphere is still special at Interlagos and this weekend we will be going all out to make sure Audi finish the season on a big high.”

Did you know fact!

Did you know that Lucas is a member of Mensa! Mensa's requirement for membership is a score at or above 98% on certain standardised IQ or other approved intelligence tests.



Sam Smith