- Newcomers to the ADAC GT Masters make their debut in 2018
- Driver pairings of Elia Erhart with Pierre Kaffer and Dries Vanthoor with Florian Spengler
Munich: The ADAC GT Masters welcomes a new team to the grid in the shape of EFP by TECE who will be fielding two Audi R8 LMS cars in the forthcoming campaign. The two driver pairings are Elia Erhart (29, Germany) with Pierre Kaffer (41, Germany) and Dries Vanthoor (19, Belgium) with Florian Spengler (30, Germany). The ADAC GT Masters season opener will be hosted by Motorsport Arena Oschersleben on the weekend of 13th - 15th April. SPORT1 will be showing all races live and in full.
"I'm really looking forward to the new season and am delighted about the great package we were able to put together during the winter break," says Elia Erhart. "I was working on this project together with my racing colleague Florian Spengler towards the end of last year, and we've brought it through to fruition. We will be driving two new Audi R8 LMSs in the ADAC GT Masters as part of the EFP by TECE team and will be making our driving contribution in both vehicles." Erhart will be partnered by Audi Sport driver Pierre Kaffer, while Florian Spengler is paired with Dries Vanthoor in the second Audi R8 LMS. The Belgian is also a member of the Audi Sport customer racing driver squad and will be competing in the ADAC GT Masters for the first time.
The Holzer Group has been recruited as technical service provider for the two cars. For over 35 years, this company has been involved in the development, construction and support of various rally and circuit vehicles in motorsport, including racing series such as the DTM, FIA WEC and Formula 1. The Opel ADAM Cup cars from the successful ADAC Opel Rallye Cup competition are also built by Holzer.
"As I see it, this overall package gives us all the prerequisites for a successful season," says Erhart. "I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has helped to make this project a reality. The first car was delivered to our team as early as the end of December, enabling us to really make the most of the time until the season opener. And we are also extremely well positioned in terms of driving. Despite the strong competition we are up against in the ADAC GT Masters, I am convinced that we will achieve a lot together."