ABT Sportsline to Partner with Lamborghini in DTM from 2025

ABT Sportsline, a prominent German racing team, has announced its decision to transition from Audi to Lamborghini machinery in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) starting in the 2025 season. This marks the end of a significant 25-year partnership with Audi, with ABT having competed with Audi in every DTM season since the series’ relaunch in 2000.

According to ABT, the team will field two Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 cars under a “long-term factory supported deal,” although the driver lineup is yet to be confirmed. This move comes after a successful collaboration at the Nürburgring 24-hour race, where ABT’s partnership with Lamborghini yielded a fifth-place finish earlier this year.

Thomas Biermaier, the CEO of ABT Sportsline, expressed optimism about the new partnership. “We got to know and love each other during the 24-hour project,” he stated. “ABT Sportsline and Lamborghini are two brands that fit together perfectly; we are passionate about motorsport.” Biermaier further mentioned that the agreement signifies an important moment for ABT, highlighting that Lamborghini will support them at the factory level in DTM.

Lamborghini’s presence in DTM is already substantial, with teams such as SSR Performance and GRT Grasser Racing Team under its banner. Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer, Rouven Mohr, emphasized the importance of motorsport for the Italian brand, stating, “Success on the racetrack is extremely valuable for us as a sports car manufacturer. To be able to work with the most successful team in this racing series in the future makes us very proud.”

The end of ABT and Audi’s partnership is significant for Audi, who’ve curtailed their GT3 program. Audi’s factory involvement has been limited to technical support and spare parts supply after ending its official GT3 program last year. The once-dominant pairing achieved notable successes together, including two DTM titles with driver Mattias Ekstroem.

This strategic shift also reflects on how Lamborghini is expanding its motorsport involvement, leveraging ABT’s success and experience in DTM. The switch is anticipated to bolster Lamborghini’s competitiveness in the manufacturers’ championship where they currently place second behind Mercedes.