Floersch to Make GT3 Debut with Abt Sportsline

Sophia Floersch has signed with Abt Sportsline to drive an Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo in the upcoming DTM season.

The German racer joins in a third entry for the Abt squad, which had previously named Kelvin van der Linde and 2013 champion Mike Rockenfeller as its drivers for 2021.

Floersch is set to balance her maiden GT3 campaign in the revamped DTM with her Richard Mille Racing LMP2 drive in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The 20-year-old made her sports car racing debut last year, representing the Signatech-operated Richard Mille team in the European Le Mans Series alongside a full-time FIA Formula 3 drive.

Floersch’s dual schedule for this year provisionally includes a date clash between the rescheduled 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Nürburgring DTM round in August. 

“I’m really looking forward to competing in the DTM,” said Floersch.

“The partnership with Schaeffler and Abt Sportsline is great and makes me confident for my first season. I’m very proud to be given the chance to prove myself against such a strong field of drivers.”

Floersch, who is set to become Abt’s third female DTM driver after Katherine Legge and Rahel Frey, will work alongside race engineer Laura Mueller during her first season.

The team’s additional entry came about following an agreement with German industrial manufacturer Schaeffler Group.

“We are very much looking forward to this joint adventure also in the DTM, working with Sophia and the cooperation with Schaeffler,” said Abt Sportline managing partner Hans-Juergen Abt.

“We now have a DTM veteran, a rookie and a lady in the team, that’s really something motorsport fans can already look forward to.”