GRT scales back to single car for Sachsenring
The Grasser Racing Team is set to run a single (#63) Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 for Clemens Schmid in this weekend’s DTM round at the Sachsenring. Its #19 Huracan, previously driven by Mick Wishofer and Maximilian Paul during the season, will not take part.
GRT will also compete in ADAC GT Masters this weekend, at the same circuit, with a Huracan for Benjamin Hites and Marco Mapelli.
“In the DTM, we want to continue at the Sachsenring where we left off at Lausitzring. Clemens is in great shape and the top-10 is possible with the performance we showed on the past weekends,” said team principal Gottfried Grasser. “We gave everything to fill the second seat for the Sachsenring but didn’t get to a fruitful solution in this current situation.
“We are of course frustrated to not be entering the second car, but we are looking forward to being able to announce positive news for the Red Bull Ring and the Hockenheimring shortly.
“As far as our objective for ADAC GT Masters is concerned, after the win we would of course like to keep fighting at the front. Benja has shown an impressive learning curve this season and we are looking forward to the second half of the season with Marco and him.”
Andretti Autosport to rebrand as Andretti Global
Andretti Autosport is set to be rebranded as Andretti Global, the identity previously used for the parent company to the US-based race team.
The new Andretti Global name will unite all aspects of the organization under a single identity. Andretti Global currently operates in eight motorsports platforms racing across six continents and plans to expand its reach further, with a current bid to join the Formula 1 grid with Cadillac.
Along with the name change, the current Andretti Autosport shield will be replaced with the Andretti Global logo.
Andretti Formula E will be the first of the Andretti Global teams to take on the new branding as the reigning Drivers’ World Championship team kicks off Season 10 with testing in October.
“I’m proud of what Andretti Autosport has accomplished over the years, and all the memories that have come with so many special moments,” said Andretti Global CEO Michael Andretti.
“Just as proud as I am of our past, I’m equally excited about our future. As we continue to expand and build a global racing institution, our goal is to be engrained in the culture of our fans, teams and partners. This rebrand is a major milestone in our team’s journey, but we are only getting started. We are determined to achieve success and confident that there are big things in store for Andretti Global.”
12H Nürburgring Red Bull car list revealed
The list of cars and drivers for the Red Bull Formula Nürburgring spectator showcase during this weekend’s NLS meeting has been revealed.
Due to a fractured metacarpal, Australian Daniel Ricciardo will unfortunately not be able to take part. However, 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard will step in for him at short notice.
F1 Academy driver Carrie Schreiner, will also take to the Nordschleife twice: during the Red Bull Formula Nürburgring in her former Formula 4 car and during the two 6-hour races of the 12h Nürburgring in a BMW M4 GT3. Moreover, Jos Verstappen, will also drive.
In addition to the previously-revealed F1 stars and Red Bull drivers, a selection of BMW drivers will also take part, including Jens Klingmann (BMW M3 E30), Philipp Eng (BMW Z4 GT3), Leopold Prinz von Bayern (BMW M1 Pro Car) and Markus Flasch (BMW V12 LMR). The group of cars is completed by Bernhard Auinger (Porsche GT2 Clubsport RS), Patrick Friesacher (Toyota Nascar) and influencer Gercollector (McLaren Senna).
Line-up:
Gerhard Berger – Ferrari F1-412 T2
Ralf Schumacher – Williams FW25-07
Mathias Lauda – Ferrari 312 B3-74
Jens Klingmann – BMW M3 E30
Philipp Eng – BMW Z4 GT3
Leopold Prinz von Bayern – BMW M1 Pro Car
Markus Flasch – BMW V12 LMR
Yuki Tsunoda – Honda NSX GT3
Bernhard Auinger – Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport
Patrick Friesacher – Toyota Nascar
Gercollector – McLaren Senna
Red Bull Driftbrothers – BMW M4 G82
Luc Ackermann – KTM SX-450 FMX
Matej Cesak – KTM 250 SX
Davide Rossi – Kawasaki KX 450 F
Aras Gibieža – KTM 890 Duke
Adrian Guggemos – Gasgas TXT GP 300
Carrie Schreiner – Formel 4 Tatuus
Jos Verstappen – TBC
Sebastian Vettel – RB7
David Coulthard – RB7
Second Team Abba entry confirmed for Brands
Team Abba Racing will field a second British GT entry for the first time at Brands Hatch, making its GT4 class debut with Ed McDermott and Mikey Broadhurst in the process.
The Pro-Am title contenders have switched teams for the final two rounds after contesting the first five events with One Motorsport and will compete in a Mercedes-AMG GT4 with Abba.
McDermott and Abba do have history together, after testing and then racing a Mercedes-AMG GT4 in GT Cup’s 2022 Donington finale where McDermott and Sam Neary claimed a class podium.
McDermott and Broadhurst are part of GT4’s competitive four-way Pro-Am championship battle. 27 points behind leaders Michael Johnston and Chris Salkeld, they now require a big result at Brands if they’re to remain in contention come Donington.
“It’s good to be back out with Ed, this time partnering with Mikey,” said Richard Neary, who combines driving duties with that of team principal. “Having worked together previously we know how each other tick and hopefully we can deliver a good result for them at Brands.
“Having raced in British GT for many seasons we know the stresses and strains that can arise at any given moment in a race weekend so we have staffed and geared up to be fully prepared at all times.
“As team principal as well as the GT3 Am driver I know how important it is to have defined roles within our structure so that I can step in and out of running the car at any given moment of a race. We are confident that the team we have will deliver a professional race experience for all our drivers.”
Image credits: ADAC & British GT
