Just Electric

Mueller relishing underdog role at Dragon

Nico Mueller is someone who for the last few years has been used to the expectation of winning, but is also relishing the underdog role at Dragon Racing as he gears up for his first Formula E race seat.

When you’re racing for Abt in DTM for the main programme alongside one-off appearances for the likes of G-Drive in the World Endurance Championship, EKS in World Rally Cross and the plethora of semi-works customer teams in endurance races like Spa and Nurburgring.

However, everyone loves a giant-killing in sport and watching the likes of Force India getting podiums in F1 was always popular.

Dragon could be considered as an underdog of sorts.

Mueller was relishing the challenge of being something of an underdog, telling Just Electric: “I’m very much looking forward to it, very excited about it, very excited to find out where we stand as a team and what we can do.

“We’re probably, let’s say, one of the smaller teams compared to the big manufacturers and I kind of like that role.

“We want to show what we can do, we want to show that the people within this team are really, really good guys and know what they are doing and can put together a very competitive and strong package and then we will find out.

“I know, I think we will have to be realistic as well, it will not be easy at all but we’re up for the challenge and we’ll give our very best.”

Valencia marked the first time everyone had been on track together since New York.

However, everyone had already been developing powertrains for this season and the end of Season 5 marked the beginning of the serious preparation for Season 6.

With everyone having only tested in private so far, it can be difficult to gauge one’s progress compared to rival teams.

“It was good to get to know each other, to start working together to start exploring the new car and pushing the development forward,” Mueller said.

“I think there have been pretty big steps done from what I’ve understood compared to last season and they felt positive so we’re in a good mood, we’re having fun and I think the basis we have for this season should be good but obviously, you never know what the others have done so we’ll only find out a little bit maybe here and then most of it in Riyadh.

The Swiss driver though isn’t new to Formula E and in fact, is the lead driver in terms of experience.

This is because of a couple of seasons as test and reserve driver for Audi.

Mueller was aware of how tough it the competition would be but was looking forward to it.

He said: “Well, it was for two seasons but it felt like a long time. It was hard work without really getting to do the fun stuff which is the racing. I’m very, very pleased to have a race seat and get the chance to go and fight for points out in that field, which is super competitive.

“The teams, the level in this championship is very high both on teams and drivers side so, very, very happy to be a part of it and thankful to Dragon for giving me the opportunity and the trust. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Rob Lomas

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