Lamborghini recently concluded the DTM 2023 season on a high note, securing a double podium finish and a second-place finish in both the drivers’ and teams’ championship standings.
The season finale at Hockenheim was nothing short of spectacular.
Mirko Bortolotti of SSR Performance arrived at the final round of the 2023 DTM season just 10 points behind the overall leader. With determination and skill, he fought his way to a commendable fifth-place finish in the first of the two one-hour races on Saturday.
This performance kept his title hopes alive. Bortolotti, a Lamborghini Factory Driver with three victories in the season, then took on the reigning champion, Thomas Preining, in the second race. Although he narrowly missed victory, he secured a well-deserved second-place finish on the track and in the drivers’ standings.
DTM’s Most Successful Season for Lamborghini Squadra Corse
The 2023 DTM season marked a historic achievement for Lamborghini Squadra Corse, with a total of five victories. This incredible success has ignited fresh motivation to compete for the top prize in German motorsport in 2024.
Lamborghini entered the DTM in 2021, expanding from a one-team, two-car effort to a formidable presence with five cars across two teams. The long-time Lamborghini partner, Grasser Racing Team, was joined by SSR Performance, with Factory Drivers Mirko Bortolotti and Franck Perera, along with Alessio Deledda as the third driver. At Grasser, Austrians Mick Wishofer and Clemens Schmid took the wheel of two Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 cars. Later in the year, Lamborghini Young Professional Driver Maximilian Paul, Factory Driver Andrea Caldarelli, and former GRT driver Christian Engelhart took over from Paul’s #19 machine.
Season Highlights
The season started in impressive fashion with Franck Perera storming to pole position and victory in the opening one-hour race at Oschersleben. This win not only gave Lamborghini an early championship lead but also set the tone for the season.
Zandvoort, in the Netherlands, hosted the second round of the campaign. Perera secured another podium finish with third place, and Bortolotti followed closely in fourth. Although the second race did not go as planned, Lamborghini showed its potential.
The season had its ups and downs, with some challenges at the Norisring. However, the Nürburgring brought a clean sweep of victories for Lamborghini. Bortolotti’s pole position and race win in the opening race were a significant breakthrough, showcasing his exceptional one-lap pace.
The Lausitzring marked a turning point as Bortolotti took the lead in the points standings. Despite challenges and retirements from his fellow drivers, Bortolotti’s strong performance secured his second win in as many rounds.
The Sachsenring circuit presented another opportunity for Bortolotti to maximize his points. In a damage limitation exercise in race one, he finished ninth, while the second race resulted in his third victory of the season.
The penultimate round at the Red Bull Ring was disappointing, but Bortolotti and SSR Performance remained determined to fight for the championship in the season finale.
The season concluded at Hockenheim, with Bortolotti keeping the championship fight alive in race one with a fifth-place finish. In the second qualifying session, he secured the second position on the grid. The race was intense as he battled against competitors, finishing just over a second behind the leader, Thomas Preining.
Conclusion
Lamborghini’s performance in the DTM 2023 season has been nothing short of exceptional. With a remarkable five victories, the team has set a new standard in the championship. The determination and skill of Mirko Bortolotti, along with the support of SSR Performance, brought them close to the championship title. Although they fell just short, they have ignited the fire to continue their pursuit of the top prize in German motorsport in 2024.
