Abt Sportsline Recruits Feller in Third Audi Entry

Reigning ADAC GT Masters champion Ricardo Feller will make his DTM debut this year with the Abt Sportsline Audi squad.

Abt has named Feller as its latest driver lineup signing, adding to the team’s prior announcements that three-time series champion Rene Rast and 2021 title contender Kelvin van der Linde will be driving its Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo IIs in the next campaign.

Feller had a strong season in GT3 last year that included winning GT Masters alongside factory driver Christopher Mies in a Land-Motorsport Audi.

The 21-year-old Swiss was also impressive in Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, where he claimed the Silver Cup class title in Endurance and was a key factor in Emil Frey Racing’s hat-trick of the available Silver Cup teams’ accolades.

Abt has adjusted its driving squad for the 2022 DTM season after previously running van der Linde and Mike Rockenfeller in a two-car stable.

“It is mega that we can run three cars in DTM this year as well,” said Abt CEO and team principal Thomas Biermaier.

“With Rene, Kelvin and Ricardo, we have three drivers who can all battle for the title. In spite of his young age, Ricardo already has several years of experience with the Audi R8 LMS and is one of the fastest drivers with this car.”

Feller added that competing in the DTM has been a “dream” of his since the start of his racing career, which began in 2016 but moved into GT3 territory the following year.

“It is cool that this dream is becoming reality at ABT Sportsline,” he said.

“I am aware that 2022 will be a challenge. Irrespective of my teammates, competition in DTM will probably be even stronger than last year.

“I want to pit myself against the best, and these are currently racing in DTM.”