DTM 2021 - Page 13

Bcarr6 · 16 Feb 2021, 14:07 (Ref:4035436)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt K

Yes, I think you're right with the RMG. Somehow I expect them to be 'the most factory' BMW team in the DTM, if not late in 2021, then in 2022.

Yes, Rowe has been vocal about their interest in the DTM and I've also heard they're evaluating BMW or Porsche. However, BMW is more likely to offer some support for DTM if not now then in 2022. Porsche doesn't seem interested in DTM at all.

Think you're right on RMG being BMW with a different entrant name.. Hopefully, some runs with the new M4 in late 21, before a full 22 run.

For ROWE I think Porsche has said they won't be providing any backing for the DTM?

Matt K · 16 Feb 2021, 19:11 (Ref:4035491)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bcarr6

Think you're right on RMG being BMW with a different entrant name.. Hopefully, some runs with the new M4 in late 21, before a full 22 run.

For ROWE I think Porsche has said they won't be providing any backing for the DTM?

I think we can expect some runs of M4 later in the season, as far as I remember there was some talk of it.

With Porsche that's true unfortunately, I'd really hoped to see the likes of KUS Bernhard with Porsche factory drivers in the DTM.

Matt K · 18 Feb 2021, 19:31 (Ref:4035785)

Rene Rast leaves DTM. That's a huge shame but given the fact Audi withdraws from FE I hope to see him back in DTM in 2022. If I were to gamble, I'd say Nico Muller will be the only DTM 2020 driver who'll stay for the 2021 season. Maybe Wittmann and S. van der Linde later on with RMG.

RacingOne is still working on their DTM project, they can enter either as a Ferrari or an Aston Martin team. The decision should be taken until the end of February, the biggest question is of course money. Would be really nice to see Astons back in the DTM especially as RacingOne hinted that they could offer some support and factory drivers.

**FIRE** · 19 Feb 2021, 13:57 (Ref:4035873)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt K

Rene Rast leaves DTM. That's a huge shame but given the fact Audi withdraws from FE I hope to see him back in DTM in 2022. If I were to gamble, I'd say Nico Muller will be the only DTM 2020 driver who'll stay for the 2021 season. Maybe Wittmann and S. van der Linde later on with RMG.

I assume this season Rast will focus on FE and maybe some GT3 enduro races, in 2022 GT's combined with testing of the the LMDh car. In 2023 race the LMDh car.

**FIRE** · 21 Feb 2021, 16:13 (Ref:4036198)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt K

I can bet Juncandella is part of their DTM plans even though he was never quite a big thing in DTM.

Juncadella will race for AKKA in GT World Europe endurance.

Matt K · 21 Feb 2021, 19:08 (Ref:4036221)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIRE

Juncadella will race for AKKA in GT World Europe endurance.

So good that I haven't made a bet!

It seems he won't be in DTM then. However, as far as I can see there's just one clash of dates so theoretically he could miss one round in either of the championships... not that I find it very likely especially as there are other factory Mercedes drivers who could be willing to race in DTM.

W2Motorsport · 23 Feb 2021, 15:21 (Ref:4036447)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt K

So good that I haven't made a bet!

It seems he won't be in DTM then. However, as far as I can see there's just one clash of dates so theoretically he could miss one round in either of the championships... not that I find it very likely especially as there are other factory Mercedes drivers who could be willing to race in DTM.

Maxi Gotz or Maxi Buhk would be my guesses for Gruppe M as they both have relationships with the team in the past. Maro Engel and Luca Stolz are likely to continue with HRT in GTWC Europe and also with an ADAC GT Masters program as well. I could be wrong but Engel was testing with HRT at Barcelona recently and I don't see AMG breaking up that team which is very successful in GTWC.

I would probably guess Maxi Gotz as he is fast, has a relationship with Gruppe M and also has experience racing in DTM in the past. Buhk will probably take his place in ADAC GT Masters and also in GTWC Endurance cup racing.

Matt K · 23 Feb 2021, 18:26 (Ref:4036480)

If Engel, Buhk, Stolz are not part of DTM then who can be? I still hope to see at least Engel or Buhk as they're one of the top Mercedes GT drivers and that's what would make DTM very attractive.

S griffin · 23 Feb 2021, 18:34 (Ref:4036484)

I can’t think of many others who could apart from those three. Maybe we are in for a surprise, but I expect at least two of these three to be with Merc. I don’t see why they wouldn’t be

**FIRE** · 23 Feb 2021, 18:57 (Ref:4036490)

With the move to GT3 the pool of potentional drivers is much larger.

Bcarr6 · 23 Feb 2021, 18:59 (Ref:4036491)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIRE

With the move to GT3 the pool of potentional drivers is much larger.

For sure, the real challenge for factory driver pools this year is balancing efforts in DTM, GTWC, ADAC GT, British GT, NLS etc

It’s a real balancing act given DTM and GTWC Europe clash for example so factory drivers usually covering two main series are going to have more difficulty doing so potentially this year

W2Motorsport · 23 Feb 2021, 22:10 (Ref:4036506)

Quote:

Originally Posted by S griffin

I can’t think of many others who could apart from those three. Maybe we are in for a surprise, but I expect at least two of these three to be with Merc. I don’t see why they wouldn’t be

I really would be surprised if Engel ends up in DTM. It's not impossible but I would find it hard to believe that Merc would pull the rug out from under HRT who are one of their top customer teams. Since Gounon, Marciello and Juncadella are with Akka ASP in GTWC that leaves just Buhk, Gotz, Engel and Stolz to allocate to any additional programs. HRT has already said they are running a full season pro entry in sprint and endurance. I don't think there is any reason to believe that won't be Engel and Stolz as it has been for the past 4 years. Buhk and Gotz could very well both end up in DTM but I would consider Engel to be unlikely (also he did test with HRT in Barcelona recently).

Matt K · 23 Feb 2021, 23:51 (Ref:4036523)

The thing is, Haupt will very likely be one of the AMG's teams in DTM. If Engel is so closely associated with them then I think it's absolutely possible for him to end up in DTM. At the end of the day Haupt will need strong drivers who will be able to get some good results for their own names and Engel seems a perfect candidate for that.

W2Motorsport · 24 Feb 2021, 17:20 (Ref:4036751)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt K

The thing is, Haupt will very likely be one of the AMG's teams in DTM. If Engel is so closely associated with them then I think it's absolutely possible for him to end up in DTM. At the end of the day Haupt will need strong drivers who will be able to get some good results for their own names and Engel seems a perfect candidate for that.

It's possible that occurs however I don't believe HRT has announced anything. They have already confirmed a Pro lineup for GTWC Europe Sprint and Endurance (along with I believe a Silver car as well). If not Engel and Stolz I'm not sure who they would have to drive that pro car as many of the drop in AMG drivers are also busy with other series on GTWC race dates as well.

Either way I'm sure we will find out shortly.

Matt K · 25 Feb 2021, 09:13 (Ref:4036893)

Haupt hasn't confirmed anything but if I'm not wrong Autosport even reported that they and HTP are going to race in the DTM. Usually they're right

Bit as you say, we should find it out shortly.