MUNICH — DTM fans can look forward to seeing the iconic British brand Aston Martin again in 2026.
The Comtoyou Racing team will field two Aston Martin Vantage GT3s next season and is relying on a true fan favorite: two-time World Endurance Champion Nicki Thiim will join the Belgian team, which aims to take the next step after its DTM debut year. The second seat will be occupied by fellow Belgian Nicolas Baert.
Comtoyou Racing has secured the services of experienced GT3 driver Thiim.
“The DTM is one of the toughest and most competitive championships in the world,” says the Aston Martin factory driver. “Starting this year with Aston Martin is a dream come true. I’ve already won so many other racing series with the Vantage that I can’t wait to fight for victories in the DTM with Aston Martin as well.”
The son of DTM icon Kurt Thiim (champion in 1986) is a two-time GTE-Pro champion of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The 36-year-old’s connection to Comtoyou Racing is primarily based on the team’s greatest success to date, when Thiim and the team celebrated overall victory at the legendary 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in 2024.
Baert is about to embark on his second year in the DTM. The son of team owner Jean-Michel Baert gained valuable experience in his debut season and aims to build on that in 2026.
“We learned a lot in 2025,” the 24-year-old emphasizes. “This year, we have the advantage of knowing the car, the tracks, and the championship. Combined with Nicki’s experience, from which I’m sure I can benefit, we have all the building blocks to make significant progress in 2026.”
“We are preparing intensively and even more specifically for the upcoming DTM season,” says Jean-Michel Baert, team owner of Comtoyou Racing. “We are also expanding our activities in Germany, which includes a possible entry into the ADAC GT Masters. My special thanks go to Aston Martin Racing, our partners, and all team members for their tremendous commitment, with which we will jointly tackle the challenge of the 2026 DTM season.”
Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport, adds: “The DTM is a highly prestigious and extremely competitive championship. We are proud that our partner Comtoyou Racing has chosen to compete with the Aston Martin Vantage GT3. We are equally delighted that Nicki Thiim is bringing his outstanding talent and extensive experience to the program. We wish him and Nicolas Baert a successful season.”
