Comtoyou Racing, which gained the Spa 24 Hours this yr in an Aston Martin, is severely evaluating an assault on the DTM in 2025.
The Belgian squad has been holding talks with each Aston Martin Racing and DTM promoter ADAC to enter the Vantage GT3 within the championship subsequent yr.
“We need to get into the collection,” Comtoyou staff supervisor Francois Verbist instructed Motorsport.com’s sister title Motorsport-Complete.com. “The state of affairs is certainly higher than final yr and there was an inquiry from a buyer. Up to now, a minimum of one automobile has been secured.”
The client in query is a gentleman driver who will assist finance the venture. Comtoyou additionally intends to subject a second automobile within the DTM for an expert driver from Aston Martin’s manufacturing facility roster.
“Our want is to additionally use an expert, an Aston Martin driver,” Verbist stated. “It will make no sense to compete within the DTM if we can not present our ambitions.”
Verbist attended the ultimate spherical of the 2024 DTM season at Hockenheim in October to speak to the ADAC a few potential entry into the collection.
Additional, he was additionally current eventually month’s GT World Problem Europe Endurance Cup finale in Jeddah to carry discussions with Aston’s racing division.
#7 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO: Mattia Drudi, Nicki Thiim, Marco Sørensen
Photograph by: Emanuele Clivati | AG Photograph
Having switched from Audi to Aston equipment a yr in the past, Comtoyou is assured about its means to compete in a high-level GT3 championship such because the DTM.
“The problem is possible for us after having used 4 automobiles within the dash and endurance collection for a yr and competing within the GT Open collection,” stated Verbist.
“We perceive the automobile significantly better now than we did a yr in the past. I am giving myself till January fifteenth to take a look at each facet intimately.
“We have now sponsors who’re inquisitive about approaching board. Now that GT World Problem is over, that is the place my focus is. The following two or three weeks earlier than Christmas shall be nerve-racking, however I have been engaged on it for 2 months. We’re doing our greatest to make it work!”
Requested to evaluate the staff’s likelihood of creating it onto the 2025 grid, he stated: “Tough query, however I’d say 75%.”
What makes the state of affairs troublesome for Comtoyou is that Aston Martin has fewer GT3 automobiles than different producers in circulation. Furthermore, it’s understood that the British producer presents solely primary technical assist to accomplice groups, leaving it as much as them to seek out the mandatory funding. Spare elements for the Vantage GT3 are additionally notably costly.
Nonetheless, the Belgian squad is severe concerning the DTM and desires to decide to the championship for the long run.
#7 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO: Mattia Drudi, Nicki Thiim, Marco Sørensen
Photograph by: Eric Le Galliot
“We positively need to get entangled as a result of we’re massive followers of the collection,” defined Verbist.
“However we do not need to be half-hearted and solely be there for one yr. If we do it – and likewise with all of the folks I speak to – it is going to be a minimum of a three-year dedication. As a result of my feeling is: ‘If we do not do it that approach, then it will not work’.”
If a Comtoyou entry does materialise, the logical alternative for its manufacturing facility driver can be Nicki Thiim.
Thiim had obtained Aston’s blessing to participate within the DTM this yr in an SSR Efficiency Lamborghini and has at all times been desperate to signify his employer within the German collection.
Furthermore, the Danish driver raced for Comtoyou in different classes this yr and was a part of its profitable line-up within the Spa endurance traditional together with Marco Sorensen and Mattia Drudi.
“Nicki has competed for us the entire season, he is an effective buddy of mine,” Verbist stated.
“It appears easy and apparent that we’re going to go down this path. However if you search for companions and sponsors, typically it’s also tied to drivers and to completely different markets. That would be the deciding issue ultimately.
“If I ask myself whether or not it is a want or a should, then it is extra of a want. We’ll strive.”
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