The DTM umbrella organisation ITR confirms that T3 Motorsport will not compete in the DTM or the DTM Trophy in Imola: What consequences this has for the squad
The DTM umbrella organisation has now officially confirmed: Lamborghini team T3 Motorsport will not compete at the upcoming race weekend in Imola
“We were informed at short notice that both DTM cars as well as both DTM Trophy cars will not start in Imola,” said DTM manager Frederic Elsner.
As to the background “we cannot and will not comment, as this is the matter of the team, manufacturer and drivers,” the Austrian continues. “Basically, however, there are existing contracts in which it is clearly regulated what the consequence of a non-appearance is. “
Mandatory participation in all races: T3 faces penalty
In the DTM regulations, Article 4.1 states: “By registering, competitors and drivers undertake to participate in all events. The driver may not be changed during the season. Any change of driver must be notified to the race stewards.”
In the Commercial Agreement, i.e. the financial contract between the teams and the ITR, it is regulated that in case of non-participation, a fine will be imposed on the competitor concerned. The exact amount of the fine is not known.
15,000 Euro fine for test absence
However, if Nicki Thiim and Hawkey do not start for T3 Motorsport not only in Imola, but also at the remaining six weekends of the season, which cannot be ruled out considering the situation, the amount would add up.
They already had to pay a 15,000 euro fine after the official test at Hockenheim on 5 and 6 April because Esmee Hawkey was not on site despite mandatory attendance. The team stated at the time that the Briton could not attend because of a positive Corona test, but could not provide the proof, which is why they had to pay the fine. At the time, her sponsor ROKiT had pulled out.
Enrolment fee was paid
Although it is said that the team has money problems. This also applies to the entry fee, which – depending on the time of registration – amounts to between 69,000 and 129,000 euros.
The team from Dresden, which in addition to the two DTM bolides is also competing in the DTM Trophy this year with two Audi R8 LMS GT4s and drivers John Paul Southern jun. and Matias Salonen, was founded in November 2018. In 2019, they entered the ADAC GT Masters with two Audi R8 LMS GT3s. As one of numerous Audi teams, they saw no chance of factory support, so the brand switch to Bentley followed in 2020.
But after one year, the British brand pulled the plug on the GT3 project, which meant that the next brand change to Lamborghini was imminent in 2021. In the previous year, they took part in the ADAC GT Masters with two Huracan GT3 Evo and Esteban Muth and Esmee Hawkey and, as the only Lamborghini team, were able to surprise at times. Muth’s best result was fifth place at the Nürburgring.
