Lamborghini squad ABT Sportsline has signed Squadra Corse factory drivers Marco Mapelli and Luca Engstler for the 2026 DTM, where the team will field a pair of Temerario GT3s.
The five-time teams’ champion enters this season off the back of a difficult first year after switching from Audi to Lamborghini, where it scored just one podium finish on its way to seventh in the teams’ standings. With a refreshed driver line-up and a new car, the German squad is targeting a return to its winning ways in 2026.
Lamborghini veteran Mapelli, who played a key role in the development of the Temerario GT3, is a DTM rookie. The Italian has though competed with ABT previously, at the past three editions of the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
“Becoming a DTM driver for ABT feels like a dream come true,” Mapelli said. “I’m really looking forward to working with such a top team throughout the entire season. From the very beginning, I felt at home with everyone in the team.
“You can clearly see the commitment and dedication of every single person, and that’s a huge motivation for me to push even further. The team’s history speaks for itself. ABT is always racing for wins, so it’s clear what our target is.”
Multi-time DTM race winner Engstler, meanwhile, has switched to ABT from fellow Lamborghini squad Grasser Racing for his fourth campaign in the series. The reigning 24 Hours of Spa winner made his ABT debut last season, with a programme at the ‘Ring which culminated in sharing a car with Mapelli at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
“I’m really looking forward to working with ABT. It’s a team I’ve known since I was a kid,” Engstler said. “I used to pass their workshop every day on my way to school. Now racing for ABT in the DTM is a big honour.”
“Of course, a lot is new for all of us, so the first year will be a learning phase. But we have the ambition to be successful and to improve consistently throughout the season. The key will be to score points even on difficult weekends.”
Mapelli and Engstler have replaced Mirko Bortolotti and Nicki Thiim in Abt’s line-up, for its third different driver roster in as many seasons. Bortolotti has effectively swapped drives with Engstler, having moved to Grasser, whilst Thiim has switched to Aston Martin squad Comtoyou Racing.
Thomas Biermaier, CEO of ABT Sportsline, commented: “We are very happy to have Luca and Marco in our team. Already in the first few weeks, we could see that both of them fit perfectly into the team, not only in terms of performance but also on a personal level. Together, we have a clear goal: to be successful again. With Luca and Marco, we believe we are on a very good path to achieve that.”
The 2026 DTM season begins at the Red Bull Ring, Austria on 24th to 26th April 2026.
Image courtesy of ABT Sportsline
