As reported by Autosport earlier in May, Audi will restructure its GT3 programme subsequent 12 months by limiting its participation to technical help and provide of spare components.
This might have a critical affect on its DTM groups, which have relied not solely on Audi’s monetary backing but in addition manufacturing facility drivers for the reason that sequence switched to a GT3 method in 2021.
Abt Sportsline has a 24-year-old historical past with Audi, however lately inked a take care of one other Volkswagen Group marque in Lamborghini to run its Huracan GT3 within the NLS sequence, together with the Nurburgring 24 Hours.
It stays unclear if Abt will proceed to run Audi automobiles within the DTM subsequent 12 months.
“To begin with, it’s Positive information that Audi Sport Buyer Racing will proceed and that the availability of components and technical help may even be assured sooner or later,” stated Abt Sportsline director Martin Tomczyk.
“This mainly provides us the choice of continuous to compete with Audi within the DTM.”
Tomczyk added that Abt will interact in “intensive talks with Audi and our companions” within the coming weeks, however regardless of previous success “different situations are additionally being thought-about.”
Whereas Abt is evaluating its producer of selection, Attempto has made it clear that it wish to proceed its affiliation with the Ingolstadt-based marque in 2024.
Podium: Martin Tomczyk, Group Abt Sportline
Photograph by: Alexander Trienitz
The staff presently competes in each the DTM and SRO’s GT World Problem Europe with the R8 LMS GT3, the manufacturing of which can be stopped after the primary quarter of 2024.
“We stay loyal to the model,” staff boss Arkin Aka informed Autosport’s sister title Motorsport-Complete.com.
“It is like on the bakers. If I get the rolls I like, then I do not go to the following bakery.
“I’ve working prices there that I can calculate. It is a good product.
“We converse the identical language, so you may discuss to one another as equals. The Audi is a rock-solid automotive – and that is why we’re occurring.”
Nonetheless, that doesn’t essentially imply Attempto will proceed to compete within the DTM subsequent 12 months, with prices a significant factor in figuring out its programme for 2024.
Competing within the DTM is much more costly than different classes working on the identical ruleset, with a funds of 1,000,000 euros required to run a single automotive.
“It is not accomplished, however that complicates the entire thing,” stated Aka.
Attempto presently runs manufacturing facility drivers Patric Niederhauser and Mattia Drudi within the DTM, however Audi’s works roster can be disbanded on the finish of the 12 months as a part of the modifications, which means groups must supply their very own drivers.
Patric Niederhauser, Attempto Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3
Photograph by: Andreas Beil
“I am a bit unhappy for the manufacturing facility drivers who, with a couple of exceptions, will not have a contract subsequent 12 months if it stays that means,” stated Aka.
“We are going to now reorient ourselves, promote younger skills and use a silver or, if essential, a professional lineup.”
Aka, nonetheless, has not but given up hope that the brand new Audi boss Gernot Dollner, who will substitute Markus Duesmann from September 2023, “will rethink the path” relating to its buyer racing division.
Audi’s third DTM staff, Engstler, is just not closely impacted by the choice, as its single automotive entry is funded by sponsor Liqui Moly, with no backing from the German producer.
Requested about Audi’s resolution to tug out from manufacturing facility GT3 racing, staff boss Franz Engstler informed Motorsport-Complete.com: “It is a disgrace that they are retiring, however that is a administration resolution and you need to settle for that.
“We do not take that personally, as a result of it is a strategic resolution of an organization.”
Nonetheless, Engstler is but to determine if it would proceed with Audi within the 2024 racing season.
“We first need to see how my most important associate Liqui Moly sees it,” stated Engstler. “For those who change the racing sequence or the producer, that all the time entails an unbelievable advertising dilemma for them, too.
“”I am not one to do something silly out of panic. This can be a resolution we make collectively. We have by no means determined this on our personal – that is why we have had such a great working relationship for a few years.”