Sheldon van der Linde to defend his DTM title

It is under the aegis of the ADAC that the 2023 season of the DTM. For this new era of the German Grand Touring championship, BMW will support two teams: Schubert Motorsport and Project 1. Three official drivers from the propeller firm will also be full-time starters for this new year, including title holder Sheldon van der Linde. The reigning champion will wear the No. 1 in the Schubert Motorsport M4 GT3. He will be accompanied by another BMW factory driver, René Rast.

« It's fantastic to have the opportunity to defend the first title of my career with Team Schubert, rejoices van dere Linde. Everyone says it's harder to defend a title than to win one for the first time. I can't wait to see how it turns out. The new DTM will be a big challenge for everyone. Whoever can adapt to new conditions most quickly will do well. I have confidence in the abilities of my team, which will undoubtedly be even stronger than last year. It's fantastic to ride with a great champion like René Rast. I have no doubt that we will be able to push each other. »

Wittmann with Project 1

René Rast will nevertheless have to give up his place for the Zandvoort round from June 23 due to his involvement in Formula E and the Portland ePrix. He will be replaced in the Netherlands by Dries Vanthoor. Marco Wittmann will be the third active BMW factory driver for the entire financial year. The German will represent Project 1. His teammate will be chosen in consultation between the manufacturer and the team.

« I am very happy to participate in the DTM again in its new configuration, says Wittmann. I believe and hope that the fans will be the winners of this restructuring, because the joint events planned with the ADAC GT Masters will undoubtedly be highlights. On a personal level, I am very motivated and looking forward to this new challenge with Project 1. Naturally, to succeed as a new team, everything will have to fall into place quickly, but anyone who knows me knows that I am always hungry for success and that I have already achieved good results with new teams in the past. I have known Hans-Bernd Kamps since my youth at the Speed ​​Academy and the team since its period of success in the cups Porsche monotypes. It's fun to see that it's come full circle now and we're finally working together directly. The hard work begins now, so that, if everything goes according to plan, I can start the new season the same way I ended the previous one – with a victory. »

The DTM season will begin at Oschersleben on May 27-28.

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