Walkenhorst Signs Double Champion Wittmann

Double DTM champion Marco Wittmann will drive Walkenhorst Motorsport’s BMW M6 GT3 in the German series this year.

The 31-year-old, who won the 2014 and 2016 titles with Team RMG, is now signed up for his ninth consecutive season in the championship and will stay on through its transition from Class One regulations to FIA GT3.

Wittmann has previously driven the BMW M6 GT3 in major endurance races such as the Total 24 Hours of Spa, the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour and the Nürburgring 24, as additions to his DTM priority program.

This year will mark the BMW factory driver’s first season of working the Walkenhorst squad, which won Spa with an M6 GT3 in 2018.

Wittmann’s DTM program with the team adds to his inclusion in Walkenhorst’s two-car Pro entry for Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup.

“I’m really looking forward to be driving with Walkenhorst Motorsport in the DTM 2021,” said Wittmann.

“There are certainly some new challenges to overcome for us, including using the BMW M6 GT3 in [a] sprint race format.

“Nevertheless, we as a team will give everything to ensure that the project is successful. Anyone who knows me knows how important the DTM is for me and it means even more that I will be competing again in a new constellation in 2021.”

Walkenhorst announced its DTM debut in February and was the first customer team from the Munich manufacturer to commit to the championship’s GT3 era.

ROWE Racing is also running the M6 GT3 this year with entries for Sheldon van der Linde and Timo Glock, who are also driving for Walkenhorst in GTWC Europe Endurance Cup.

“Now a new chapter is starting for us – being part of the top-level DTM championship is fantastic,” said Walkenhorst team manager Niclas Koenigbauer.

“With Marco we have a DTM champion in our team and we will work hard to keep our successful path also in this sprint environment. Every single person involved in our program is highly motivated and we are looking forward to fight for podiums.”