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Abt: Audi's 'trust' in FE proves I'm more than 'the son of someone'

Daniel Abt believes the "trust" Audi showed by keeping him in its works Formula E line-up has boosted his performances and proves he is more than "the son of someone".

Abt spent the first FE's three seasons racing for the Audi-affiliated team run by his father Hans-Jurgen.

While his team-mate Lucas Di Grassi won six races and the season three championship during this period, Abt was winless.

But in the 2017/18 season, after Audi formally took over the team and made it a full factory squad, Abt has secured his first two FE victories - including a win at his home race in Berlin last time out - and is ahead of di Grassi in the championship.

"All the time, since I've [been] in Formula E, I've grown, become a better driver," Abt told Autosport.

"I was very young and inexperienced when this whole thing started. I had one of the best drivers as my team-mate, who was a hard benchmark.

"It was not always easy - I also had more problems throughout the years than Lucas had. I just kept trying my best, there's not much more I can do.

"This season, what changed is that Audi came on-board [and] gave us an incredible car, but it also put me a bit more out of the role of just being the son of someone.

"They said 'OK, we'll go with Daniel' [and] they could have chosen anyone.

"Maybe that helped me a bit, to have that trust, that feeling. I just feel very confident with everything that I do.

"It's a bit hard to really specify why it is or what it is, but I'm happy with myself, happy and confident. "I have a great team and great people around me and I think that just helps me perform at my best."

Despite the 2017/18 season being Abt's strongest in FE so far, he said he does not yet have a contract signed for season five.

When asked about his 2018/19 plans following his Berlin victory, Abt said: "I need a ride - still nothing is confirmed.

"I hope I could convince people after this weekend [Berlin] to sign me for next year.

"I feel like I'm really at the top of my game at the moment - I feel confident and see no reason why [I wouldn't] be confident next year."

When asked by Autosport if that was a message directed at anyone, Abt said: "No, not really. I've been asked, I gave an honest answer.

"We will speak about it and I don't see a reason why I shouldn't be here next season.

"I think I've proven this season that the choice was correct, that I deserved this seat and now we will speak about that and see where we end up.

"If Audi is happy with what I'm doing then I hope we can continue together."

Zdroj: autosport.com