SSR Performance may challenge Mirko Bortolotti for the DTM title this 12 months, but the longer term of the factory-backed Lamborghini team hangs within the balance.
There are many rumors in regards to the Munich-Freimann squad, linking it with a possible withdrawal from the DTM.
Several key employers have already left for other teams for the 2025 season, further fueling speculation about what the team will do next 12 months.
SSR has invested heavily since joining the DTM in 2022 and currently runs two cars with Bortolotti and Aston Martin drivers Nicki Thiim.
However, when asked by Motorsport.com's sister title, Motorsport-Total.com, the team didn’t need to commit to staying within the DTM.
“We cannot be sure of this at this time,” an SSR spokesman said. “We are checking all the necessary parameters to compete in the DTM again.”
However, SSR has made it clear that if it stays within the series, it would “100 percent” work with Lamborghini and its factory driver Bortolotti.
Mirko Bortolotti, SSR Performance Lamborghini Huracán EVO GT3
Photo: Alexander Trienitz
Rival team Abt Sportsline will join Lamborghini's lineup next 12 months after ending its 25-year partnership with Audi, but SSR has completely ruled out switching to a different brand following the event.
If Bortolotti moves to Abt, the team is not going to participate in next 12 months's DTM.
Personnel changes
SSR only partially denied rumors of many employees applying to other teams, and a number of other everlasting employees were told they were not needed for 2025.
The team stated: “This is just not true, we simply told our employees that there could also be changes in 2025 and that one or the opposite may also need to deal with the sports program for purchasers.
“Therefore, people interested only in factory programs were informed in July. We think it's fair to keep all doors open to people at the appropriate time.”
While SSR's claim could also be true, a longtime team would also not need to lose key employees and run the chance of disbanding.
Other championships
It's also price noting that last month SSR announced plans to “expand” its motorsports operations into 2025.
Mirko Bortolotti, SSR Performance Lamborghini Huracán EVO GT3
Photo: Alexander Trienitz
Team owner Stefan Schlund said: “We are on the lookout for drivers who would really like to compete with us in various series. We are currently analyzing what options exist and what’s most tasty to us and our clients.
Elaborating on these plans, team principal Mario Schuhbauer added: “The ADAC GT Masters races are very interesting for us as a part of the DTM platform.
“On the one hand, we already won here in 2020, on the other hand, the changed concept is very exciting for us and our customers. At the same time, however, we are of course also looking at international ones. The aim is to offer our customers the best possible environment.”
It is obvious that SSR Performance is on the lookout for a customer racing program with amateur or gentleman drivers. When asked for further information, SSR Performance confirmed that its development can be for an “Am or Pro-Am mission.”
There are many indications that in the longer term SSR's activities can be more business in nature and even a departure from skilled motor sport can’t be ruled out.
This may sound surprising at first, as until now he has competed almost exclusively within the skilled sector – regardless that he has organized several track days for clients.
However, it is thought that the DTM was all the time intended to be a three-year project for SSR, so it is just not surprising that the team is on the lookout for other places.
SSR entered the category in 2022 with Porsche and switched to Lamborghini last 12 months with factory support from the Italian supercar maker. The three-year program will subsequently end after 2024 unless any changes are made within the meantime.
A connection between the unique SSR plan and up to date changes in its composition can’t be ruled out.
