Nicki Thiim joined Comtoyou Racing ahead of the 2026 DTM season as part of the team’s Aston Martin Vantage GT3 programme. The move connected a driver with extensive international GT experience to a team continuing to grow its presence within one of Europe’s most competitive championships. Beyond the sporting implications, the decision carried clear personal weight, linking Thiim’s present ambitions with a series that had played a formative role in his motorsport journey from a very young age.
A championship that shaped ambition
For Thiim, DTM had long been woven into his motorsport story. Watching his father compete in the championship shaped his understanding of professional racing and left a lasting impression. As his own career developed, DTM remained a clear reference point, and the move to GT3 regulations created a pathway to combine that ambition with his long-standing association with Aston Martin.
By the time the opportunity with Comtoyou Racing emerged, Thiim had already proven himself within DTM and beyond. A previous DTM victory at the Norisring underlined his competitiveness, while sustained success in international GT racing reinforced his credentials. Racing Aston Martin machinery in DTM brought those strands together, turning a long-held goal into a tangible next step.
“It’s no secret that I have wanted to race in DTM all my life, because when I was a kid, it was the centre of my universe when my father raced in it. I’ve already achieved that ambition, but when the DTM moved to an-all GT3 platform, I’ve wanted to represent Aston Martin in the series. So, this is another dream come true for me.”
“Carrying the famous wings on my chest in the DTM is very special, and personal, to me. DTM is one of the hardest and most fiercely-contested championships in the world, and its intensity is similar to Formula 1 in this regard. I’ve won with Vantage in so many different arenas, I can hardly wait to try and do it again with Aston Martin in the DTM.”
Momentum at Comtoyou Racing in DTM for Baert and new teammate Thiim
The signing marked an important step for Comtoyou Racing as it prepared for its next DTM campaign. Retaining Nicolas Baert ensured continuity, while the arrival of Thiim added experience and a proven benchmark within the team. The pairing offered a balance between familiarity with the championship and exposure to top-level GT competition.
Following its previous season, Comtoyou Racing carried a stronger understanding of the demands of DTM. Greater knowledge of the car, tyres and race formats allowed the team to focus on refinement rather than fundamentals. Thiim’s experience added further depth to that process, strengthening the overall package as preparations continued.
“We made huge progress in 2025. DTM is a tough arena to race in, but this year we go in with the advantage of knowing the car, the circuits, the tyres and the championship. This combined with Nicki’s experience, which I’m sure I can learn from, gives us all the elements to make big steps forward in 2026.”
Confidence in Vantage performance
From Aston Martin’s perspective, the programme carried both sporting and strategic importance. Adam Carter, Head of Endurance Motorsport at Aston Martin, highlighted DTM’s status as one of GT racing’s most demanding and respected championships, underlining the value of seeing a long-standing partner commit to the Vantage GT3 on that stage. Comtoyou Racing combined its ambition with Thiim’s proven ability and Baert’s continuity to create a strong foundation, fully backed by Aston Martin as the project took shape ahead of the new DTM season.
“The DTM is a very prestigious and hugely competitive GT championship and we are proud to see our valued partner Comtoyou Racing choose to race the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 within it. Equally, we are delighted to be able to contribute Nicki Thiim’s outstanding talent and undoubted experience to this programme. Aston Martin Racing wishes Comtoyou Racing, Nicki [Thiim] and Nicolas Baert every success in this venture.”
