Nicki Thiim 2026 DTM aspirations have officially become a reality. In a landmark announcement for the 2026 motorsport season, Aston Martin works driver Nicki Thiim has signed with Comtoyou Racing for a full-scale assault on Germany’s premier touring car series. This move marks the first time a factory-backed Aston Martin driver will compete in the DTM driving the prestigious Vantage GT3.
The 2026 lineup will see the two-time FIA World Endurance champion paired with Nicolas Baert, who remains with the Belgian squad for a second season. For Thiim, this contract represents the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition to represent the British ultra-luxury brand in the arena where his father, Kurt Thiim, became a legend.
Why the Nicki Thiim 2026 DTM Entry is a Game Changer
The Nicki Thiim 2026 DTM entry is not just another driver signing; it is a strategic shift for Aston Martin Racing. By placing one of their most successful “Works” drivers into the Comtoyou cockpit, the brand is signaling its intent to dominate the sprint racing format.
“It’s no secret that I have wanted to race in DTM all my life,” Thiim remarked during the launch. “As a child, this series was the center of my universe. Carrying the famous wings on my chest in this championship is both special and deeply personal.”
Comtoyou Racing: From Debutants to Title Contenders
After a transformative 2025 season, Comtoyou Racing is no longer the “new kid” on the grid. The team recorded a pole position at the Hockenheimring and three top-ten finishes last year, providing a solid foundation for their 2026 campaign.
The team’s 2026 strategy relies on three pillars:
- The Vantage GT3 Evo: Utilizing the bonded aluminum chassis and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.
- Technical Leadership: Under the guidance of Mario Schuhbauer, the team aims to bridge the gap to the front-runners.
- Driver Synergy: Combining Thiim’s world-class experience with Baert’s intimate knowledge of the current DTM tires and circuits.
2026 DTM Championship Schedule
The 2026 season will span eight rounds across Europe’s most iconic tracks. Each weekend features the unique DTM format of two one-hour sprint races where individual driver skill is paramount.
| Round | Circuit | Location | Date |
| 1 | Red Bull Ring | Spielberg, Austria | April 25-26 |
| 2 | Circuit Zandvoort | Zandvoort, Netherlands | May 23-24 |
| 3 | Lausitzring | Klettwitz, Germany | June 20-21 |
| 4 | Norisring | Nuremberg, Germany | July 4-5 |
| 5 | Oschersleben | Saxony-Anhalt, Germany | July 25-26 |
| 6 | Nürburgring | Nürburg, Germany | August 15-16 |
| 7 | Sachsenring | Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany | Sept 12-13 |
| 8 | Hockenheimring | Hockenheim, Germany | October 10-11 |
Technical Analysis of the Vantage GT3
The car powering the Nicki Thiim 2026 DTM campaign is a masterpiece of engineering. Sharing the mechanical architecture of the road-going Vantage, the GT3 version features state-of-the-art aerodynamics designed for the “dirty air” typical of DTM sprint starts.
Coming off a runner-up finish at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Vantage GT3 has proven its reliability and pace. In the DTM, where every millisecond counts, the car’s wide setup window will be crucial for Thiim to extract maximum performance during qualifying.
A Legacy Continued: The Thiim Family in DTM
The name Thiim is synonymous with German touring car history. Nicki’s father, Kurt Thiim, was the 1986 champion and a 19-time race winner. By securing a full-time seat for 2026, Nicki finally bridges the gap between his father’s Mercedes-AMG era and his own journey with Aston Martin.
“DTM’s intensity is similar to Formula 1,” Thiim added. “I’ve won with the Vantage in almost every other arena—Le Mans, Spa, and the Nürburgring. Now, I want to bring that success to the DTM.”
Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Motorsport, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to see Comtoyou Racing choose the Vantage GT3. Contributing Nicki’s talent to this program is a testament to our partnership’s strength.”
As the series heads to the season opener at the Red Bull Ring this April, all eyes will be on the #7 Aston Martin to see if “Danish Dynamite” can ignite a new era of British dominance in Germany.
