DTM 2021: With ABT-Audi - and Nico Müller?
The ABT Sportsline team will also compete in the DTM in 2021. For the first time, this will be contested with GT3 sports cars. Drivers are not yet fixed, but Nico Müller is expressing his interest. With its commitment, the Kempten-based company continues its successful tradition that started in early 2000. Two Audi R8 LMS cars [...]
With its commitment, the Kempten-based company is continuing its successful tradition that began in early 2000. Two Audi R8 LMS GT3 cars will be used.
Not just a team, but an enthusiastic company
DTM has been a part of ABT Sportsline for 20 years and should remain so, emphasizes the managing partner.
Hans-Jürgen Abt: "At the weekends, not only our fans but also all 200 employees in Kempten joined in the excitement, celebrations and suffering. This is where we celebrated our greatest successes and grew as a team - with our commitment, we want to set an example and write the next chapter of this fascinating racing series together with Gerhard Berger."
Back to the roots
ABT Sportsline will start as a private team in 2021, thus returning to its roots. From 2000 to 2003, the team competed against Mercedes-Benz and Opel with the self-developed Abt Audi TT-R - and sensationally celebrated the title in 2002 with Laurent Aiello.
From 2004 to 2020, ABT Sportsline was the most successful Audi factory team. So far in its DTM history, ABT has claimed 67 victories, 226 podium finishes, 76 pole positions and five drivers' and team championships each.
Two Audi R8 LMS cars based on GT3 regulations will be fielded by ABT in 2021. After the Audi TT (2000 to 2003), the Audi A4 (2004 to 2011) and the RS 5 (2012 to 2020), this is the fourth base model of the Audi brand with which ABT will compete in the DTM.
Nico Müller would like to be there
The Allgäu team has not yet announced any drivers. Nico Müller, who celebrated his greatest successes with Audi Sport Team ABT in 2019 and 2020 and was runner-up twice, emphasized his interest to AutoSprintCH.
Nico Müller: "Basically, as their long-time DTM driver, I'm pleased that ABT will continue to be part of it. We haven't talked specifically about 2021 yet, but of course I'd like to be part of it if the overall package is right."
On the part of ABT, there should actually be nothing to stop the Swiss from extending his contract. Müller is an excellent all-rounder and is also considered one of the fastest drivers ever with GT3 sports cars. Numerous successes on the long distance testify to this.
Eight weekends with 16 runs
The start of the "new" DTM 2021 season is scheduled for the end of May. Eight more race weekends are to follow in Germany and neighboring European countries by the beginning of October. TV partner SAT.1 will also broadcast all races live in 2021.
