SSR Performance could also be preventing for the DTM title this 12 months with Mirko Bortolotti, however the way forward for the factory-supported Lamborghini workforce hangs within the steadiness.
There are quite a few rumours concerning the Munich-Freimann-based squad linking it with a possible withdrawal from the DTM.
A number of key employers have already left for different groups for the 2025 season, additional fuelling hypothesis about what it’s going to do subsequent 12 months.
SSR has invested an enormous quantity of sources since becoming a member of the DTM in 2022 and at the moment runs a two-car effort with Bortolotti and Aston Martin driver Nicki Thiim.
However when enquired by Autosport’s sister title Motorsport-Whole.com, the squad didn’t wish to decide to staying within the DTM.
“We can’t say for certain in the intervening time,” a spokesperson for SSR mentioned. “We’re checking all the required parameters to compete within the DTM once more.”
Nonetheless, SSR made it clear that if it does stay within the collection, it will “100 per cent” be with Lamborghini and its manufacturing unit driver Bortolotti.
Race winner Mirko Bortolotti, SSR Efficiency
Picture by: Alexander Trienitz
Rival workforce Abt Sportsline is joining Lamborghini’s roster next year after ending a 25-year affiliation with Audi, however SSR has fully dominated out a swap to a different model within the wake of that improvement.
If Bortolotti finally ends up shifting to Abt, the workforce is not going to compete within the DTM subsequent 12 months.
Employees adjustments
SSR solely partially denied rumours about quite a few workers making use of to different groups and several other everlasting workers members being informed which might be now not wanted for 2025.
The outfit mentioned: “That’s not appropriate, we merely informed our workers that there could also be adjustments for 2025 and that one or the opposite can even need to take care of a buyer sport programme.
“Those that are solely fascinated with manufacturing unit programmes have been due to this fact knowledgeable in July. We expect it’s honest to maintain all doorways open for individuals in good time.”
Whereas SSR’s declare could also be true, a well-established workforce would additionally not wish to lose its key workers and put itself on the threat of falling aside.
Different championships
It was additionally attention-grabbing to notice that SSR introduced plans to “develop” its motorsport actions for 2025 final month.
Group proprietor Stefan Schlund mentioned “we’re on the lookout for drivers who want to compete with us in varied collection. We’re at the moment taking a look at what choices exist and what’s most tasty for us and our prospects”.
Mirko Bortolotti, SSR Efficiency Lamborghini Huracán EVO GT3
Picture by: Alexander Trienitz
Increasing on these plans, workforce boss Mario Schuhbauer added: “The ADAC GT Masters may be very attention-grabbing for us as a part of the DTM platform.
“On the one hand, we have been already in a position to win right here in 2020, and alternatively, the modified idea may be very thrilling for us and our prospects.
“On the identical time, nevertheless, we’re in fact additionally trying round at worldwide motorsport. The intention is to supply our prospects the very best atmosphere.”
It’s clear that SSR Efficiency is on the lookout for a buyer racing programme with novice or gentleman drivers. When requested for additional info, SSR Efficiency confirmed that its enlargement can be about “Am or Professional-Am missions”.
There are some indications that SSR’s operations might be extra industrial sooner or later, and even a departure from skilled motorsports shouldn’t be fully out of the query.
This may occasionally sound stunning at first, as thus far it has competed nearly solely within the skilled sector – despite the fact that it has organised some trackdays for purchasers on the aspect.
Nevertheless it’s understood that the DTM was all the time imagined to be a three-year venture for SSR, so it is no shock that the workforce is taking a look at different venues.
SSR entered the class in 2022 with Porsche earlier than switching to Lamborghini final 12 months with manufacturing unit assist from the Italian supercar maker. Thus, its three-year programme would come to an finish after 2024, supplied no adjustments have been made within the interim.
A connection between SSR’s unique plan and the current adjustments at its squad can’t be dominated out.