Revving Up for a Thrilling season

The ADAC GT Masters is poised to ignite its 19th season at the Dekra lausitzring, promising a spectacle of high-octane racing and groundbreaking innovations.The season kicks off with two endurance races as part of the DTM event, scheduled for May 23rd-25th at Lausitzring. With ten teams fielding sports cars from six prestigious manufacturers, the competition is set to be intense. Drivers will be vying for a substantial prize pool of €570,000, as well as the opportunity to advance to the DTM series thru the “Road to DTM” evaluation.

Fans can catch the action live, with Saturday’s race streaming on Sport1.de, Joyn, servustv On, and the ADAC Motorsports YouTube channel. Sunday’s race will be broadcast live on Sport1 and available via stream.

The Grid: A Mix of Familiar and New

This year’s ADAC GT Masters features 14 cars from ten teams,representing six manufacturers. While the number of full-time entries has slightly decreased from last year’s 15, there’s anticipation that the field could expand with guest appearances at select races. Several teams are reportedly exploring opportunities for additional entries at notably attractive circuits.

This year’s competition reflects the growing popularity of GT3 racing, wich has seen a surge in global interest. According to recent data from SRO Motorsports Group, the number of GT3-homologated cars competing worldwide has increased by 15% in the last year alone, highlighting the category’s continued growth and appeal.

Spotlight on the New Contenders

The 2025 season welcomes several new faces to the ADAC GT Masters paddock. drivers from eleven nations will compete at the Brandenburg racetrack. Among the newcomers is Scherer Sport phx, fresh off their victory at the ADAC Ravenol 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. They will be fielding an Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO2,driven by Nico Hantke and Denis Bulatov.

Another fresh entry is Razoon – More Than racing, an Austrian team entering a Porsche 911 GT3 R, with Leo Pichler and Simon Birch behind the wheel. Auto Tech,another team running a Porsche 911,returns unchanged with Alexander Fach and Alexander Schwarzer.

Returning Forces and Brand Shifts

Haupt Racing Team, the reigning team champion for the past two years, is back with a notable change: they will be fielding three Ford Mustang GT3s, marking the return of the American brand to the ADAC GT Masters after a decade-long absence.

I’m very excited. We tried a lot during the test and I was able to get used to the car well. I am already looking forward to the fans, the great cars and the astonishing atmosphere. Being able to experience the whole spectacle live is simply a dream that has become true and I am very confident that we will do well.
Niklas kalus, Haupt Racing Team Driver

Niklas Kalus, who is embarking on his first season in the ADAC GT Masters, expressed his enthusiasm for the new car and the upcoming season.

Schubert Motorsport also makes a comeback after a year’s hiatus, fielding a BMW M4 GT3 EVO for twins Sandro and Juliano holzem. Land-engine sports, a long-standing competitor in the ADAC GT Masters, will continue with an Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO2, driven by Carrie Schreiner and Alain Valente.

Mercedes and Lamborghini Represented

SR Motorsport by Schnitzelalm, after participating as a guest entrant for the past two years, joins as a full-time competitor in 2025. The team will field the sole Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the field, piloted by Jannes Fittje and Moritz Wiskirchen. The Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 will be represented by Liqui Moly Team Engstler and DTM team Paul Motorsport.

New Era Dawns for ADAC GT Masters

The 2025 ADAC GT Masters season is poised to deliver a thrilling spectacle, marked by significant changes in format, a renewed focus on sustainability, and a fiercely competitive field of drivers and teams.This year promises to be a pivotal one for the series, solidifying its position as a premier GT racing championship.

Endurance Racing Takes Center Stage

Responding to the overwhelming enthusiasm generated last season, the ADAC GT Masters has expanded its endurance racing format. Half of the races in the 2025 calendar will now be long-distance events, a significant shift from previous years. These endurance races, lasting 80 minutes plus one lap, will be held at the Dekra Lausitzring, the Nürburgring, and the Salzburgring. The remaining events, held at Zandvoort, the Red Bull Ring, and Hockenheim, will retain the conventional sprint format, featuring two practice sessions on Friday, followed by a 20-minute qualifying session and a 60-minute plus one lap race on both Saturday and Sunday.

This blend of endurance and sprint races is designed to test the versatility of both drivers and teams, demanding strategic prowess and consistent performance across varying race lengths. The change reflects a broader trend in motorsports, where endurance racing is gaining increasing popularity, as evidenced by the growing success of events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Zimmermann’s BMW Transition: A Driver’s Perspective

The driver lineup has seen some notable changes, including Tim Zimmermann’s switch from Lamborghini to BMW.Zimmermann, now piloting one of the FK Performance Motorsport’s BMW M4 GT3 EVO cars, expresses optimism about the upcoming season.

I can hardly wait for it to start again. We are entitled to go in front – and I am ready. The M4 demands a fully different driving style.You have to drive it clean and smoothly, that was a real getting used to. We worked well together as a team. Leyton is fast and the team is highly motivated. We have a good starting position for the start of the season.

Zimmermann’s comments highlight the unique handling characteristics of the BMW M4 GT3 EVO,requiring a precise and controlled driving style. His partnership with Leyton Fourie and the FK Performance Motorsport team appears promising, setting the stage for a potentially accomplished season.

Financial Incentives and the Road to DTM

The ADAC GT Masters continues to support its participants with a substantial prize pool, offering €570,000 in cash and material prizes to successful teams and drivers. Furthermore, the “Road to DTM” program remains a key component, providing a pathway for young, talented drivers to advance their careers. The top-performing driver under 25 with a silver rating will receive funding,including entry fees,for the following DTM season in 2026. This initiative underscores the ADAC GT Masters’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of racing stars.

Sustainability at the Forefront

A significant emphasis on sustainability is evident in the 2025 season. Pirelli has developed a new, more sustainable Slick-Reifen P Zero DHG tire specifically for the ADAC GT Masters. This tire incorporates a natural rubber component certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring that the rubber is sourced from plantations that prioritize biodiversity and the well-being of local communities. This aligns with growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products, with a recent study showing that 73% of global consumers are willing to change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact Source: Nielsen Global Survey of Corporate Social Obligation and Sustainability.

In addition to the sustainable tires, the ADAC GT Masters will utilize “DTM Pro Climate,” a 100% sustainable synthetic fuel, contributing to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. This commitment to eco-friendly practices reflects a broader industry trend towards sustainable motorsports, with organizations like Formula 1 also implementing measures to reduce their carbon footprint.

2025 Participants List

The following teams and drivers are confirmed for the ADAC GT masters 2025 season:

• #1 Finn Wiebelhaus (Offenbach)/Salman Owega (Cologne) – Haupt Racing Team – Ford Mustang GT3
• #2 Dennis Fetzer (Gießen)/Jonathan Cecotto (Ven) – Haupt Racing Team – Ford Mustang GT3
• #3 Max Reis (Ramstein)/Niklas Kalus (Duisburg) – Haupt Racing Team – Ford Mustang GT3
• #4 Alexander Schwarzer (D)/Alexander Fach (CHE) – Auto Tech – Porsche 911 GT3 R
• #6 Szymon Ladniak (Pol)/ Dante Rappenge (NLD) – Liqui Moly Team Engstler by GRT – Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2
• #8 Jonas Karklys (LTU)/Emil Gjardrum (NOR) – Liqui moly Team engstler By GRT – Lamborghini Huracán Gt3 Evo2
• #10 Eduardo Coseteng (PHL)/Julian Hanses (Hilden) – FK Performance Motorsport – BMW M4 GT3 EVO
• #11 Tim Zimmermann (Lochau)/Leyton Fourie (ZFA) – FK Performance Motorsport – BMW M4 GT3 EVO
• #14 Leo Pichler (AUT)/Simon Birch (DEN) – Team Razoon – more than racing – Porsche 911 GT3 R
• #16 Nico Hantke (Hürth)/Denis Bulatov (Cologne) – Scherer Sport Phx – Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO2
• #21 jannes Fittje (Langenhain)/Moritz Wiskirchen (euskirchen) – SR Motorsport by Schnitzelalm – Mercedes -AMG GT3
• #33 Finn Zuglauf (Königstein)/Simon Connor Primm (Großschirma) – paul Motorsport – Lamborghini hur

The Stage is Set: GT3 Teams Prepare for Battle

The upcoming GT3 race promises a thrilling contest between seasoned teams and talented drivers. Among the contenders,Schub’s Motor Arts and Land-Motorsport are poised to deliver exceptional performances,each fielding formidable lineups and cutting-edge machinery.

Schub’s Motor Arts: A Force to Be Reckoned With

Schub’s Motor Arts is entering the fray with the #56 Acán GT3 EVO2, piloted by the dynamic duo of Sandro Wooden and Juliano Wooden. Representing the police force, this team brings a unique blend of precision and determination to the track. Their choice of the BMW MT3 GT3 underscores their commitment to high-performance engineering. The team’s consistent presence in GT3 racing makes them a serious threat to their competitors.

Land-Motorsport: aiming for the Podium

Land-Motorsport is fielding the #68 Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO2, driven by the skilled pairing of Carrie Schreiner and Alain Valente. Schreiner, hailing from Völklingen, brings a wealth of experience to the team, while Valente, from Switzerland, adds international flair. Land-Motorsport’s reputation for meticulous preparation and strategic racing makes them a strong contender for a podium finish. The Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO2 is known for its aerodynamic efficiency and powerful engine, giving the team a competitive edge.

GT3 Racing: A Global Phenomenon

GT3 racing has become a global phenomenon,attracting manufacturers and drivers from around the world. The category’s emphasis on close competition and diverse car designs has captivated audiences and fueled its rapid growth. According to recent statistics from the FIA, GT3 races saw a 15% increase in viewership in the past year, highlighting the sport’s rising popularity.

GT3 racing offers a unique blend of performance and accessibility, making it a favorite among drivers and fans alike.

FIA Report on Motorsport Trends, 2024

Key Takeaways: What to Watch For

As the race approaches, all eyes will be on the performance of the Acán GT3 EVO2 and the Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO2. The strategic decisions of Schub’s Motor Arts and Land-Motorsport will be crucial in determining their success.Keep an eye on the driver pairings, as their teamwork and individual skills will play a significant role in the outcome. The #56 and #68 cars are definitely ones to watch.