Vanthoor, Olsen to Make Series Debuts with SSR Performance

Laurens Vanthoor and Dennis Olsen will race in the DTM for the first time this year after being announced as the driver pairing for Porsche squad SSR Performance.

Vanthoor, who was last year’s IMSA GT Daytona class champion, and 2019 Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli champion Olsen will each drive a Porsche 911 GT3 R in the full eight-round season.

2020 ADAC GT Masters champion SSR made a DTM guest start at the Nürburgring last year with Michael Ammermueller before committing to a full-season effort in December.

Vanthoor, who will drive the team’s No. 92 Porsche, is now set for a full-time program this year after his former IMSA team Pfaff Motorsports adjusted its lineup for its graduation to the GTD Pro class.

The Porsche factory driver is also confirmed to drive for the manufacturer at the Nürburgring 24 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

“I am massively looking forward to the season,” said Vanthoor.

“The team has made a name for itself in the sport within a really short time and I am looking forward to working with them now.

“The season will certainly not be easy because competition is really strong. Nevertheless, it is our ambition to be successful. For me, being alone in the car is a while ago, motivation is accordingly high.”

Olsen, who is contracted by Porsche but not as a factory driver, primarily raced at the Nürburgring last year but has represented the marque in several other GT3 series.

“I am very much looking forward to DTM! For me, racing in such a strong field of drivers is a great challenge,” said the Norwegian.

SSR managing director Stefan Schlund added: “I am enormously happy with the selection and by Porsche making the drivers available for this project.

“I am convinced that we have a powerful brigade and can be successful with both the No. 92 and the No. 94 car.”