Following a successful debut season, GruppeM Racing confirms that it will return to the DTM in 2022 with an expanded two-car entry.
The Hong Kong-based outfit will push for the drivers’ and teams’ titles with a pair of Mercedes-AMG GT3s after fielding a single car from the same manufacturer this year.
GruppeM Racing was the first team to commit to the DTM’s new GT3 era last November. After winning several major GT3 races in Asia including the 2019 FIA GT World Cup and the 2018 Suzuka 10 Hours, the group was keen to showcase its abilities in the renowned German series that stages events across Europe.
Its 2021 programme involved Mercedes-AMG driver Daniel Juncadella, who claimed GruppeM Racing’s first-ever DTM podium at the Nürburgring and helped the team to finish sixth in the points standings.
Other highlights included a fifth place at the Monza curtain-raiser and a strong end to the season that saw the BWT-liveried #8 Mercedes-AMG GT3 finish in the points at four consecutive races.
It was a campaign of adventure for Kenny Chen’s organisation as it visited several circuits for the first time and adapted to the DTM’s unique set of challenges.
An encouraging debut demonstrated that GruppeM Racing has the potential to excel in the series, while its expanded two-car effort is a statement of intent going forward.
Next year the DTM will visit new and returning venues such as Portimao, Imola and Spa. GruppeM Racing is already hard at work preparing for those events and the others, as well as scaling up for its increased entry into the nine-round season.
Drivers and other programme details will be confirmed at a later date.
Kenny Chen, GruppeM Racing team owner: “I am proud to announce that GruppeM Racing is planning to come back to the DTM next season with two cars. We are ready to take on the full DTM challenge for both the teams’ and drivers’ championships.”
Andy Smith, GruppeM Racing COO: “After an excellent first year for the new-style DTM, we are extremely happy and excited to be entering again in 2022 with two Mercedes-AMG GT3s. It was great to see such close and exciting racing through the 2021 season, and it was especially fantastic once we could welcome spectators back and see real energy from the full grandstands. DTM fits perfectly within our plans for further growth within our group structure and we look forward to being on the grid and challenging for the title with two cars next year.”
Source. GruppeM/Photo. DTM
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