Abt has been related to Audi within the DTM ever for the reason that sequence was revived in 2000 and has gained 5 titles with the revered marque throughout this era.
Nonetheless, Audi’s resolution to exit GT3 racing as a manufacturing facility and scale back its involvement to fundamental technical help has compelled the squad to contemplate its choices for subsequent 12 months.
A call to enter the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 within the Nurburgring 24 Hours this 12 months, which was made earlier than Audi’s GT3 withdrawal announcement, had indicated that Abt might lengthen the collaboration with the Italian producer to the DTM subsequent 12 months.
Certainly, many within the paddock had advised that Abt was already on the way in which to modify to Lamborghini for the DTM’s second season below the possession of the ADAC.
Nonetheless, Autosport understands that it’s now wanting extra possible that Abt will proceed its relationship with Audi for one more 12 months – at the same time as their long-term future seems unsure.
Abt has set an inside deadline of the Hockenheim finale, which takes place on October 21-22, to determine whether or not to stay with Audi or bounce ship to Lamborghini for the 2024 DTM season.
“The good factor is that each are manufacturers from the [Volkswagen] Group and we one way or the other belong to this Group, that is essential for us,” Abt Sports activities Director Thomas Biermaier informed Autosport’s sister title Motorsport-Whole.com.
“We’ve a protracted custom with Audi. You do not simply throw that away. So we’ll weigh issues up properly there.”
Abt is holding lively discussions with each Audi and Lamborghini relating to 2024. Its automotive tuning enterprise covers each manufacturers, having just lately began promoting a tuned model of Lamborghini’s best-seller, Urus.
“There are completely different points, however that does not simply relate to the automotive however to the general constellation, together with at Abt Sportsline,” stated Biermaier.
“Actually, persons are fascinated with what is going to occur within the medium time period, however within the brief time period it would not have a lot affect. Points corresponding to custom, efficiency, help and different components play a task.
Audi Sport boss Rolf Michl and buyer racing chief Chris Reinke each labored with Abt up to now, so there’s a shared historical past between the 2 corporations.
Abt director Martin Tomczyk praised Audi for the way it has been speaking along with his staff, saying: “You must say that the discussions are very open and really clear and direct. After all, that has to do with our years of collaboration. That helps in conditions like this.”
#27 ABT Sportsline Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2: Kelvin Van der Linde, Marco Mapelli, Jordan Pepper, Nicki Thiim
Photograph by: Alexander Trienitz
One other issue that would forestall Abt from switching to Lamborghini is the Italian producer’s current roster of groups. Notably, SSR Performance has already positioned itself as a prime outfit in DTM following its change from Porsche final 12 months, and its beneficial monetary place {and professional} strategy has allowed it to ascertain a robust footing at Sant’Agata.
Because of this Abt has to guage whether or not it is smart to modify to Huracan, particularly with the R8 LMS being a confirmed automotive.
Abt additionally has among the best advertising and marketing bosses in Harry Unflath, which suggests it might considerably compensate for an absence of monetary help from Audi.
Audi’s resolution to disband its driver pool, too, may have no impact on Abt. That’s as a result of Kelvin van der Linde, who left Audi on his personal phrases firstly of 2023, is straight contracted by Abt, whereas present manufacturing facility driver Ricardo Feller’s take care of the staff got here by way of sponsor Scherer.
Since Abt has a contract with Scherer with reference to Feller, a future collaboration with out Audi’s involvement would even be doable in 2024.
“We’re additionally in discussions with the drivers and are very proud of each drivers,” stated Biermaier. “We’re at present establishing our staff and are very assured that we’ll get all the things wrapped up earlier than Hockenheim.”