Triple Le Mans winner Andre Lotterer is set to leave Super Formula after an incredible 15 year campaign in the Japanese formula. It comes as the Germans new schedule would incur too many clashes for him “A proper job” Lotterer’s 2018 schedule consists of a dual campaign between Formula E and WEC with TECHEETAH and Rebellion leaving very little time for Super Formula
Andre is quoted as saying: “There are too many clashes and just arriving at the last moment and jumping in the car would mean I couldn’t do a proper job.” The decision brings an end to a stint in which Andre Lotterer won the title in 2011 and a total of 24 wins in the series. Not to mention he has been in the title hunt in every season outside his debut year with the German finishing in the Top 3 of the championship or winning atleast one race.
Andre was set to leave the series in 2012 after earning a Full time drive with Audi Sport but was able to convince Dr Wolfgang Ullrich to give him permission to stay.
“I spent a month preparing to leave, I thought it wasn’t going to work, because I would miss it too much.”
“I called Dr. [Wolfgang] Ullrich [head of Audi Sport] and told him that there were no clashes with Super Formula and explained that from a personal and sporting point of view it would be a benefit for me to continue racing in Japan.
“He is a very human person and understood that it would work for everyone.”
Lotterer stated that he would miss racing in Japan and insisted that it “Wasn’t just something that I did for the money”
The German will compete in both Formula E and WEC throughout 2018 as well as making an appearance at the Nurburgring 24 hours competing in a Porsche 911 GT3-R in May, However which team he will drive for is yet to be announced.
