Ferrari squad Emil Frey Racing has announced that it has signed Matteo Cairoli for the 2026 DTM.
Cairoli will drive the team’s #14 Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo, which has a pair of new primary sponsors, BWT and Windhager.
Thierry Vermeulen will return to the team’s Red Bull-backed #69 Ferrari, with Ben Green and Jack Aitken stepping away from Emil Frey’s DTM effort as the team downsizes from three to two cars for this season.
Former Lamborghini Squadra Corse factory driver Cairoli is a DTM rookie, and is also new to the Ferrari. Alongside the DTM, the 29-year-old was confirmed last week to be competing with Emil Frey in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup this year.
Last season, Cairoli took on a varied programme, which included the European Le Mans Series with Iron Lynx – Proton, GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup with Winward Racing, and 24H Nürburgring with Dinamic GT.
“I am very grateful to Emil Frey Racing and proud to have been given this opportunity,” Cairoli said. “I believe we can form a strong package together. As both the DTM and the car are new to me, my main focus will be on learning as fast as possible. I can hardly wait to get started, to enjoy every moment, and to show what we are capable of out on the track!”
Vermeulen is entering his fourth season in the DTM, off the back of his strongest campaign to-date last season. The 23-year-old claimed two pole positions and three podium finishes, on his way to a top-10 finish in the drivers’ championship.
“I am so thrilled to be starting for Emil Frey Racing in our fourth year together,” Vermeulen commented. “I really feel part of the family. We have worked very closely together over the winter. We went back over the past few years and analysed our weaknesses and strengths. We are now ready for a new season together.”
Emil Frey Racing earned its best-ever finish in the DTM teams’ championship last season, fourth, and won two races with Aitken, who also challenged for the drivers’ title.
Team Principal Lorenz Frey-Hilti commented: “There are many new factors in the 2026 season: a new Evo package from Ferrari, new Pirelli tyres, and a new driver in our team. We are also very excited about our new partnership with BWT, who will be our main sponsor for car number 14 in the DTM and GTWC Europe Sprint Cup.
“A big thank you goes to Jack Aitken, who has done an excellent job for us over the past five years, and we wish him all the best for his season. Now we are looking ahead to the new season and are delighted to welcome Matteo Cairoli to the team. With his wealth of experience and speed, he will be a valuable addition to our team.”
The 2026 DTM begins at the Red Bull Ring, Austria on 24th to 26th April 2026.
Image courtesy of Emil Frey Racing
