In 2002, ABT Sportsline won the first of its five DTM drivers’ titles as a small private team on the circuit in the dunes of the Dutch North Sea coast. The team from Bavaria has already brought the biggest DTM trophy from Zandvoort back to Kempten eight times – most recently in 2023 after a lights-to-flag victory by Ricardo Feller. Last year, Kelvin van der Linde achieved a podium result in Sunday’s race.
The team’s two new DTM drivers, Mirko Bortolotti and Nicki Thiim, are also avowed fans of the racetrack near Amsterdam. “Zandvoort is probably the coolest track on the DTM calendar, along with the Sachsenring,” says reigning DTM champion Mirko Bortolotti. “The mix of very fast, partly blind corners and a very technical second sector characterises this circuit. Due to its proximity to the beach, the wind and sand usually play a role, and that can change the handling of the car from corner to corner. Last year, despite a slow puncture in the final few laps, I was still able to finish in second place. I’m looking forward to the weekend in Zandvoort.”
“Zandvoort is a beautiful racetrack – one of the most popular on the DTM calendar”, says ABT DTM Driver Nicki Thiim.
Their boss Martin Tomczyk stood on the podium five times himself as a DTM driver at Zandvoort. In 2023, he also celebrated his first DTM victory in his new role as ABT Motorsport Director on the North Sea coast. “As a driver, Zandvoort was one of my favourite tracks,” recalls the 2011 DTM champion. “The track is unique and in a great location. However, we also know how difficult it is to overtake at Zandvoort. Qualifying is therefore even more important than usual. Due to the changed schedule, Friday will be particularly intense for the team.”
To give some DTM drivers the opportunity to take part in the test day for the Le Mans 24 Hours, which is taking place parallel to the DTM weekend, qualifying for Sunday’s race will take place late on Friday afternoon, as was the case last year. The race itself will not begin until 4:30 PM CEST on Sunday. Saturday’s race will start at the usual time of 1:30 PM
In German-speaking countries, the DTM will be broadcast live on Joyn, ran.de, ProSieben and Servus TV while the series can be watched live all around the world on TV and YouTube. All DTM races can also be viewed on Red Bull TV.
Did you know that ...
... comedian Django Asül will be a guest of ABT Sportsline and Schaeffler in Zandvoort?
... ABT partners ARBURG, Bihler, KEUK, MR Group and SG Sportwagen will be present in Zandvoort with guests?
… the team’s two MAN trucks already set off on Tuesday on the 800-kilometre journey to Zandvoort?
... the first free practice session on Friday starts as early as 9:00 AM CEST?