Comtoyou Switches to Aston Martin Starting in 2024

Comtoyou Racing will switch from Audi to Aston Martin machinery as part of a multi-year deal with the British manufacturer that also includes an expansion into GT4 competition.

The Belgian squad, which made its GT3 debut in Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS this year, will run under the AMR Comtoyou Racing banner as part of a four-year partnership with Aston Martin beginning in 2024.

As reported by Sportscar365, Comtoyou team manager Francois Verbist indicated the team was in “really close discussion” with several parties regarding its future in GT3 racing as recently as the Sprint Cup round at Valencia earlier this month.

Details about drivers as well as the exact nature of the team’s programs for the 2024 season will be announced at a later date.

“We are extremely proud to have signed a four-year partnership with Aston Martin Racing,” said team principal Jean-Michel Baert.

“We were won over by their enthusiasm, their desire to win and their vision of the future. Thanks to them, we also have the opportunity to enter GT4, in addition to GT3.

“It is too early to reveal all the details of our program, in terms of drivers and championships, but we are totally motivated.

“We have a great deal of work ahead of us to prepare for the 2024 season, but I can tell you that we intend to do everything we can to continue our progress.”

Comtoyou stepped up to GT3 competition for the first time this season after a a lengthy tenure in TCR, running three Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo IIs in both Endurance and Sprint Cup events.

“I would like to thank Audi Sport Customer Racing for supporting us in our GT3 debut,” said Baert.

“Even if it is always possible to do better, we had a successful debut in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe, where the level of competition is unquestionable.

“Our class wins – in both Sprint and Endurance – and our podium finishes in the overall standings are proof of that, and we hope to finish 2023 on a high.

“However, we no longer saw the possibility of future growth in GT with Audi and we are pleased to announce a new partnership.”

The announcement of the deal between Comtoyou and Aston Martin was made ahead of this weekend’s Endurance Cup finale at Barcelona, where the British marque is represented by a single Vantage GT3 for Bullitt Racing.

“Aston Martin Racing is delighted to be associated with Comtoyou Racing,” said Huw Tasker, head of partner racing AMR.

“Our brand has a great history in motorsport and GT. We were looking for a first-class partner who shares our vision of performance and our professionalism.

“The Comtoyou Racing team proved right from its first season in GT3 that it was already a benchmark with class wins and overall podiums. From the very first contact, in them we saw the same desire to win as we have ourselves.

“We are therefore proud to be associated with them for four years and we look forward to working hand in hand to help Aston Martin win GT races in the future.”