Thiim Joins SSR Performance for Series Return

Nicki Thiim will return to DTM for the first time since 2022, joining SSR Performance to pilot a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 for the German sprint series.

The Aston Martin factory driver will team up with championship runner-up Mirko Bortolotti in a two-car effort for the German squad, which is set for its sophomore season campaigning Lamborghini machinery.

Thiim previously raced a Lamborghini in DTM with T3 Motorsports in 2022 and even expressed hopes of luring Aston Martin back to the championship, although his tenure in the series ended when T3 pulled out after four races.

The Dane has experience behind the wheel of the latest evolution of Lamborghini’s GT3 offering, having driven the car when he joined ABT Sportsline for the Nürburgring 24 earlier this year.

Bortolotti, meanwhile, continues with SSR after finishing second to Thomas Preining in the drivers’ championship battle, winning three races.

Wednesday’s announcement means that the top three drivers from this year’s championship battle will all stay with the same teams next year.

Preining was confirmed to be remaining with Manthey EMA earlier this month, while ABT has retained both Ricardo Feller and Kelvin van der Linde.

“That’s a nice Christmas surprise for DTM fans,” team principal Stefan Schlund said.

“With Bortolotti and Thiim, we can be right up there at the front in the DTM. I am very happy about this strong driver combination.

“We want to fight for the title in the new season and win the team championship. The chemistry fits.

“We’ve already had a great working relationship with Mirko this year and have been successful together. Nicki brings a lot of individuality and we believe that he will enrich our team with his skills and experience.”