Mikaël Grenier: « There is a real enthusiasm for the DTM »
Mikaël Grenier is on all fronts in 2022. After the 24 Hours of Dubai, the 12 Hours of the Gulf, the 24 Hours of Daytona or the 9 Hours of Kyalami, the Quebecer is discovering the Asian Le Mans Series with SPS automotive performance. With success, since he won both rounds of the 4 Hours of Dubai last weekend with his teammates Valentin Plerburg and John Loggie: “I already knew SPS well, but not this championship that I am discovering. We had a very good weekend in Dubai and we hope to confirm in Abu Dhabi. »
The 29-year-old is now hoping to finish the job at the Yas Marina Circuit to clinch the GT Am title. “You have to be careful not to make mistakes of objectivetold us Mikaël Grenier in the Emirati paddock. Sometimes we want more, but the goal is always the title in GT Am. Yas Marina is a more difficult circuit for the Mercedes with these long straights, but we have already driven here at the beginning of January for the 12 Hours of the Gulf, so we know the track well. » Performances that confirm a good start to the year 2022 for the native of Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury. “The 24 Hours of Dubai went very well with a third position. We thought we could win Daytona until the early morning, but we had to go back to the garage because of some problems. I remain very happy with my start to the year. »
The DTM, “an opportunity to seize”
The Canadian is not going to stop on such a good path in 2022, since he was recently announced by Mercedes-AMG as the starting driver in the DTM, in the GruppeM Racing team, where he will be associated with the experienced Maro Engel (35 years). A new direction in the career of Mikaël Grenier. “It happened quickly when I was in Dubai. I know the GruppeM engineer well, so it was he who made the first contacts. I’m very happy, it’s a new challenge, because it’s more sprint races in DTM whereas I’ve been more used to endurance races in recent years. The fact that they are now GT3s in the DTM should limit my adaptation time. »
However, the Mercedes driver will not be totally in unknown lands: “ I have sprinted before in the GT World Challenge. I love this format, but there is a real enthusiasm for the DTM and the level will be very high this year. It’s not something I thought about in the short term, but the door opened in January and it was very important to be able to seize this opportunity. Sespecially with GruppeM, which is a very good team, and Maro, whom I know very well from having raced with him in endurance racing, and who will be my team-mate. I will work hard to achieve a good season. » In addition to his DTM season, Mikaël Grenier will continue the Endurance season in IMSA and should also take part in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, among others. A decidedly busy year 2022 for the Canadian.
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