Efforts are underway to assist five-time DTM race winner Timo Glock in securing a comeback in the DTM in 2024 after a two-year absence. His former manager Hans-Bernd Kamps, who is now co-founder of the Project 1 team, is reportedly involved in the plan for the 41-year-old to drive a McLaren 720S GT3 in the series. Glock had last raced full-time in the DTM in 2021, the first year of its GT3 rulebook, and then made a wildcard appearance in the following season at Imola driving a BMW M4 GT3. Since then, Glock has been focusing on his Formula 1 TV commitments with Sky Germany, but he remains a highly popular figure in the DTM, particularly due to his successful stint with the factory BMW team during the Class 1 era of the championship.
Potential Partnerships
Glock did not deny talks of a potential DTM comeback when asked by Motorsport-Total.com, stating that they are exploring various options and feasibility at the moment. He expressed his willingness to return if the opportunity arises through his network contacts, mentioning that Project 1 or McLaren car dealer Dorr could be potential avenues. Dorr Group, which holds the largest network of McLaren dealerships in Europe, is believed to be providing funding for Project 1’s DTM entry with McLaren. The team is switching to McLaren after a less successful run with BMW. Glock has a personal relationship with Dorr Group founder Rainer Dorr, having crossed paths with him on the racetrack frequently in recent years.
Glock emphasized that his comeback hinges on securing the necessary funding for a seat, acknowledging the financial challenges associated with returning to racing. He mentioned that while they do not have a strict deadline, a direction needs to be established soon regarding his potential return to the DTM for his 10th season. Despite Glock’s efforts to secure a drive, there have been no concrete developments so far in terms of funding.
McLaren was recently announced as the seventh manufacturer for the 2024 DTM season, indicating that the team is officially registered with the series. Discussions have revolved around the potential for a two-car entry, with former Grasser Lamborghini driver Clemens Schmid and Rainer Dorr’s son Ben emerging as leading candidates for the driver line-up. The DTM remains Glock’s primary option for a full-time drive in 2024, as he only participated in two Porsche Supercup races last year. Notably, he was released from BMW’s factory roster at the conclusion of the 2022 season, rendering him a free agent in the driver market.
When questioned about discussions with other manufacturers to race outside of the DTM, Glock noted that it has been relatively quiet on that front at the moment. This suggests that Glock is primarily focused on securing a return to the DTM for the upcoming season, considering it as the most feasible option for his racing career in 2024.