SSR Performance could also be combating for the DTM title this 12 months with Mirko Bortolotti, however the way forward for the factory-supported Lamborghini crew 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 fueling hypothesis about what it’ll do subsequent 12 months.
SSR has invested an enormous quantity of sources since becoming a member of the DTM in 2022 and at present runs a two-car effort with Bortolotti and Aston Martin driver Nicki Thiim.
However when enquired by Motorsport.com’s sister title Motorsport-Whole.com, the squad didn’t wish to decide to staying within the DTM.
“We can’t say for positive in the meanwhile,” a spokesperson for SSR mentioned. “We’re checking all the mandatory parameters to compete within the DTM once more.”
Nevertheless, SSR made it clear that if it did stay within the sequence, it might “100 per cent” be with Lamborghini and its manufacturing unit driver Bortolotti.
Mirko Bortolotti, SSR Efficiency Lamborghini Huracán EVO GT3
Picture by: Alexander Trienitz
Rival crew Abt Sportsline is becoming a member of Lamborghini’s roster subsequent 12 months after ending a 25-year affiliation with Audi, however SSR has utterly dominated out a change to a different model within the wake of that growth.
If Bortolotti finally ends up shifting to Abt, the crew won’t compete within the DTM subsequent 12 months.
Employees adjustments
SSR solely partially denied rumours about quite a few staff making use of to different groups and a number of other everlasting workers members being informed that they’re now not wanted for 2025.
The outfit mentioned: “That isn’t appropriate, we merely informed our staff that there could also be adjustments for 2025 and that one or the opposite will even should take care of a buyer sport program.
“Those that are solely desirous about manufacturing unit applications have been subsequently knowledgeable in July. We predict it’s honest to maintain all doorways open for folks in good time.”
Whereas SSR’s declare could also be true, a well-established crew would additionally not wish to lose its key staff 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.
Mirko Bortolotti, SSR Efficiency Lamborghini Huracán EVO GT3
Picture by: Alexander Trienitz
Group proprietor Stefan Schlund mentioned: “We’re searching for drivers who want to compete with us in numerous sequence. We’re at present taking a look at what choices exist and what’s most engaging for us and our clients.”
Increasing on these plans, crew 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 clients. On the identical time, nonetheless, we’re in fact additionally wanting round at worldwide motorsport. The goal is to supply our clients the absolute best setting.”
It’s clear that SSR Efficiency is searching for a buyer racing programme with beginner or gentleman drivers. When requested for additional data, SSR Efficiency confirmed that its growth could be about “Am or Professional-Am missions”.
There are some indications that SSR’s operations can be extra industrial sooner or later, and even a departure from skilled motorsport is just not utterly out of the query.
This will sound stunning at first, as thus far it has competed virtually solely within the skilled sector – although it has organised some observe days for purchasers on the aspect.
Nevertheless it’s understood that the DTM was all the time imagined to be a three-year undertaking for SSR, so it is no shock that the crew 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, offered no adjustments have been made within the interim.
A connection between SSR’s authentic plan and the current adjustments at its squad can’t be dominated out.