A further last-minute reshuffle in the already amended plans for Audi Sport at the Spa 24 Hours has fallen into place today with the replacement of Mirko Bortolotti by Ferdinand Habsburg.
Bortolotti has left Spa after falling ill to be replaced by current DTM driver Habsburg aboard WRT’s #30 Audi R8 LMS alongside Dennis Marschall and Mathieu Vaxiviere.
It will be Habsburg’s first GT3 start in an Audi after contesting the Spa 24 Hours last year in an R-Motorsport Aston Martin (but not getting a drive in the race after early retirement fo the team) and a double-header in the GT Open in 2018 in a Drive AMG.
The 23-year old Austrian is currently contesting the DTM with WRT bringing the team its first ever series pole position at Zolder on Sunday.
“When I got asked, I was like ‘yes’ straight away!” said the REMUS-sponsored racer: “What an incredible opportunity to drive for Audi Sport at a huge global event. Then, I had to stop and consider it – of course, DTM is my number one priority and I’m edging closer to the race win with each round. Some of the DTM championship-contenders opted out of Spa, and that makes total sense for them, but I’m in a different championship position and stage in my career.”
“The truth is, to represent Audi Sport, one of the greatest sporting operations in the world, is something I am going to grab with both hands. I’m honoured to have been asked and proud that I can support WRT in their home race. I just need to approach it so that I don’t leave the event exhausted and that I don’t let it affect my driving style when I get back in the DTM car. But, you know what? These are both things that I need to learn in my career so why not now?!”
“The lack of GT3 experience makes this more of a challenge and I’m going to be up there on the world stage and the pressure will be on. Spa 24 Hours is the race that WRT, as a Belgian team, really wants to win and it’s extremely important to Audi. It really is in at the deep end but I’m ready to swim!”
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps holds happy memories for Habsburg, who won there in FIA Formula 3 back in 2017 and he’s happy to be returning to the track despite COVID concerns.
“It’s really sad to see that COVID is having such a huge impact on the region so I’d like to send my best wishes to everyone affected. It’s good to see that SRO are taking all of the strictest safety procedures. I hope everyone has a great race and stays safe.”
