Three challenging programmes for GRT in the 2024 season: in addition to their commitments in the DTM and the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, the Austrian outfit will also be fielding two Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2s in the ADAC GT Masters. The high-calibre GT3 series has a new concept this year and the Lamborghini Squadra Corse supported team is relying on a promising mix of experience and youth. Tim Zimmermann celebrates his return to Grasser Racing in the number 63 car alongside Benjamin Hites. Jannik Julius-Bernhart, a promising talent from karting, has been signed for the sister car. The final decision on the youngster's team-mate is still pending.
This will be GRT's 13th season in the ADAC GT Masters. Last year, Gottfried Grasser's racing team returned after a one-year break and built on old successes with Benjamin Hites and Lamborghini factory driver Marco Mapelli. The duo claimed two victories and four pole positions and fought for the championship right up to the finale. Hites made a phenomenal debut in the ADAC GT Masters in 2023 and took pole position in his very first qualifying session. He also celebrated the Silver Cup title with GRT in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup.
The 24-year-old from Santiago de Chile and Grasser Racing are continuing their successful partnership in the ADAC GT Masters this year. His team-mate is an old companion from GRT. Tim Zimmermann already competed in the team's Lamborghini in 2020 and 2021. In his rookie season in the ADAC GT Masters, he immediately won the Junior title. In the years that followed, he made a name for himself in the championship with several victories. Together with Hites, the 27-year-old German will be targeting the title.
With the line-up of the #19 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2, GRT is focussing on the promotion of young talent, which will be the focus of the ADAC GT Masters from this year onwards with the Road to DTM concept. In the ADAC GT4 Germany and the ADAC GT Masters, the ADAC specifically supports young drivers. The best youngster in this year's ADAC GT Masters will be rewarded with a promotion to the DTM in 2025. In Jannik Julius-Bernhart, Grasser Racing has a promising young talent in their ranks who will compete in the Junior classification.
The 19-year-old German is making the direct transition from karting to GT3 racing. He has already passed through the ADAC talent factory in go-karts. After successes in the various categories of the ADAC Kart Masters, he competed in the FIA Karting World Cup. In the ADAC GT Masters, he is taking the next step on the ADAC motorsport platform. With a promising test in GRT's Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 in Misano in November, he set the course for his entry into the prestigious GT3 championship.
The ADAC GT Masters calendar will again comprise six stops in the 2024 season. The races will take place on four weekends as part of the DTM. The joint events include the season opener at Oschersleben, the finale at the Hockenheimring and the guest appearance on the Formula 1 circuit at Zandvoort in the Netherlands. Grasser Racing's home race at the Red Bull Ring will also be held together with the DTM. In addition, the programme includes two more historic venues with the races as part of the International ADAC Truck Grand Prix at the Nürburgring and the ADAC Racing Weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.
Benjamin Hites: "It's fantastic to be competing with GRT again this year. Our first season together was really great. I felt very comfortable in the team and we always had a competitive package. In the ADAC GT Masters, we fought for the title right to the end and the objective for 2024 is clear. We want to be right at the top this time and I think we are in an ideal position to fight for it. I'm looking forward to working with Tim. He is a strong driver with a lot of experience and I am sure that we will make a good team. I can hardly wait for the start of the season."
Tim Zimmermann: "I felt very comfortable at GRT back then and I am sure that we can be successful together again. Last season didn't go according to plan for me, which is why I'm all the happier about my return to Gottfried and his team. I would like to thank all my partners and sponsors for their great support last winter. Their backing enabled me to concentrate on the future at an early stage. I'm looking forward to the year and am excited about working with Benja. We have already had a few battles on track and I know how good he is. He is fast and we will push each other to the maximum."
Jannik Julius-Bernhart: "I'm really looking forward to competing in the ADAC GT Masters in 2024. The step from karting to GT3 is an enormous challenge. That's why it's all the more important for me to compete with an experienced and established team like Grasser Racing. I am sure that I will continue to develop as a racing driver in this professional environment. The test in Misano has already given me a lot of confidence for the task ahead. I immediately felt comfortable in the Lamborghini and can hardly wait for the first race."
Gottfried Grasser, Team Principal of GRT: "First of all, we are very pleased with the positive development of the ADAC GT Masters. We have celebrated great successes in this championship and the new concept is definitely the right step. It has always been an attractive platform and we are very proud to be back on the grid with two cars. The title is our clear goal and we have positioned ourselves perfectly for this with the line-up of our number 63 entry. Ben made a mega debut in our team in 2023 and we got a taste of Tim's talent a few years ago already. The two of them have the speed and experience to fight for victories every weekend. Jannik is a real asset for us. He works very professionally and made a great impression during the test. We will support him with all our expertise in order for him to maximise his potential in the GT3 car. The prospects are exciting and we can hardly wait for the season to start. The decision on the final driver will be made shortly."
