24.02.2023
It’s official: two ambitious drivers, both in the brand-new Porsche 911 GT3 R, will be driving for KÜS Team Bernhard to chase down top positions in the DTM, the prestigious race series now organised by ADAC. The 911 bearing the start number 24 will have Porsche specialist Ayhancan Güven at the wheel, whilst its sibling number 75 will be driven by young talent Laurin Heinrich.
Ayhancan Güven (25, Istanbul) began his career in 2004 with kart racing, and has a wealth of experience to offer the team. He joined the Porsche Sports Cup Germany in 2016 and since then has gained numerous titles and runner-up positions across the various Porsche racing series. In 2022, the Porsche-contracted driver was the runner-up in the ADAC GT Masters, joint with Christian Engelhart. Ayhancan’s experience and speed make him a top driver, and not just for GT racing.
Laurin Heinrich (21, Kürnach) has been in motor sports since 2009. His route from ADAC Formula 4 to the Porsche racing series has included various titles and podium finishes. This highly motivated youngster with a promising future has been a Porsche-contracted driver since last year.
ADAC, the new DTM organiser, has put eight race weekends in the calendar. It all begins on 26 to 28 May in Oschersleben, and the DTM final is on 20 to 22 October in Hockenheim. All races will be broadcast live and in full on Pro7.
Team manager Timo Bernhard: ‘It is fantastic news that we have been able to put two vehicles into the 2023 DTM. Following our debut season, with successes including two wins, it was always our goal to get two cars up to the start line. Our driver line-up offers a good combination of experience and youth. Ayhancan has shown with his runner-up spot in the ADAC GT Masters that he can achieve wins in GT3 racing, and he also knows all of the tracks and the tyres. In Laurin (who was born in 2001, the year I won the Carrera Cup), we also have a top young star who has risen to the DTM with the wind in his sails following his Carrera Cup title. I expect a steep learning curve from him. The whole team is motivated to the core. I am hugely confident that we will be force to be reckoned with in the 2023 DTM.’ The current images show the preliminary test design for the two Porsche 911 GT3 Rs. KÜS Team Bernhard will present the final look for the 2023 DTM season at a later date.
Source: Peter Schäffner / Team75 Motorsport press