DTM Hockenheim

Spa 24-winning Aston Martin team targeting DTM entry

After previous failed attempts, could Aston Martin finally join GT3-based DTM next year?

Sven Haidinger

Edited: Dec 11, 2024, 11:37 AM

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#7 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO: Mattia Drudi, Nicki Thiim, Marco Sørensen

Photo by: Emanuele Clivati | AG Photo

Comtoyou Racing, which won the Spa 24 Hours this year in an Aston Martin, is seriously evaluating an assault on the DTM in 2025.

The Belgian squad has been holding talks with both Aston Martin Racing and DTM promoter ADAC to enter the Vantage GT3 in the championship next year.

"We want to get into the series," Comtoyou team manager Francois Verbist told Motorsport.com’s sister title Motorsport-Total.com. "The situation is definitely better than last year and there has been an inquiry from a customer. So far, at least one car has been secured."

The customer in question is a gentleman driver who will help finance the project. Comtoyou also intends to field a second car in the DTM for a professional driver from Aston Martin’s factory roster.

"Our wish is to also use a professional, an Aston Martin driver," Verbist said. "It would make no sense to compete in the DTM if we cannot show our ambitions."

Verbist attended the final round of the 2024 DTM season at Hockenheim in October to talk to the ADAC about a potential entry into the series.

Further, he was also present at last month’s GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup finale in Jeddah to hold discussions with Aston’s racing department.

#7 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO: Mattia Drudi, Nicki Thiim, Marco Sørensen

Photo by: Emanuele Clivati | AG Photo

Having switched from Audi to Aston machinery a year ago, Comtoyou is confident about its ability to compete in a high-level GT3 championship such as the DTM.

"The challenge is feasible for us after having used four cars in the sprint and endurance series for a year and competing in the GT Open series," said Verbist.

"We understand the car much better now than we did a year ago. I'm giving myself until January 15th to look at every aspect in detail.

“We have sponsors who are interested in coming on board. Now that GT World Challenge is over, that's where my focus is. The next two or three weeks before Christmas will be stressful, but I've been working on it for two months. We're doing our best to make it work!"

Asked to assess the team’s chance of making it onto the 2025 grid, he said: "Difficult question, but I would say 75%.”

What makes the situation difficult for Comtoyou is that Aston Martin has fewer GT3 cars than other manufacturers in circulation. Moreover, it is understood that the British manufacturer offers only basic technical support to partner teams, leaving it up to them to find the necessary funding. Spare parts for the Vantage GT3 are also particularly expensive.

However, the Belgian squad is serious about the DTM and wants to commit to the championship for the long term.

#7 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO: Mattia Drudi, Nicki Thiim, Marco Sørensen

Photo by: Eric Le Galliot

"We definitely want to get involved because we are big fans of the series," explained Verbist.

"But we don't want to be half-hearted and only be there for one year. If we do it - and also with all the people I talk to - it will be at least a three-year commitment. Because my feeling is: ‘If we don't do it that way, then it won't work’.”

If a Comtoyou entry does materialise, the logical choice for its factory driver would be Nicki Thiim.

Thiim had received Aston’s blessing to take part in the DTM this year in an SSR Performance Lamborghini and has always been eager to represent his employer in the German series.

Moreover, the Danish driver raced for Comtoyou in other categories this year and was part of its winning line-up in the Spa endurance classic along with Marco Sorensen and Mattia Drudi.

"Nicki has competed for us the whole season, he is a good friend of mine," Verbist said.

"It looks simple and obvious that we are going to go down this path. But when you look for partners and sponsors, sometimes it is also tied to drivers and to different markets. That will be the deciding factor in the end.

"If I ask myself whether it's a wish or a must, then it's more of a wish. We'll try."

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