Three-Driver Lineup for ABT’s Lamborghini N24 Entry

ABT Sportsline will opt for a three-driver lineup for its second start with Lamborghini in the Nürburgring 24, with three out of four drivers from last year’s effort returning.

Lamborghini factory drivers Marco Mapelli and Jordan Pepper will team up with Kelvin van der Linde aboard the team’s Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2.

Last year, the three drivers teamed up with Aston Martin factory driver Nicki Thiim, but the Dane will not return to the team for a second consecutive year.

“The three drivers were fast and reliable and worked together perfectly,” says ABT Motorsport Director Martin Tomczyk.

“Nicki Thiim was no longer available to us this year. As we didn’t want to bring any unknown factors into the well-established team, it quickly became clear that we would be competing with three instead of four drivers in 2024.”

After displaying front-running pace early in the race last year, the team was hampered by punctures and ultimately finished ninth overall, two laps behind winners Frikadelli Racing Team.

“We know the strengths of the Huracan very well,” said Tomczyk.

“Without the punctures, we definitely had the potential to be at the front last year.

“Michelin has worked hard on the problem. I am convinced that in this form the failures will not happen again.”

The team also unveiled the Lamborghini’s livery on Monday, which features backing from energy drinks giant Red Bull.

The Austrian brand’s logos will also appear on ABT’s pair of Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo IIs in DTM.

“Last year, our black Lamborghini was an instant fan favourite at the 24-hour race,” said ABT CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt.

“But in blue and with Red Bull branding, our car looks even more spectacular in my eyes. We are proud to have Red Bull as a partner for our entire GT3 programme.

“The 24-hour race is the biggest sporting event in Germany and it’s great that we can also compete there in the Red Bull colours.

“Our goal is clear: after last year’s strong performance with our inaugural entry, we want to fight for overall victory this year.”