The Lamborghini GT3 finally gained the aerodynamic edge that will reshape its DTM fortunes as a new rear‑wing setup earned approval ahead of Zandvoort.
Pre‑Zandvoort struggles
At Spielberg, the Lamborghini drivers surfaced at the back of the field, prompting team chief Gottfried Grasser to question the adequacy of their aerodynamic package.
Despite a decent fourth on the grid, Luca Engstler finished only eighth, prompting a reassessment of the car’s balance at high speed.
DTM’s special homologation
The DTM GT Committee announced that both Grasser and Abt could run a rear‑wing configuration that exceeds FIA regulations, following a unanimous decision after opposition from rival manufacturers.
In this new Balance of Performance, the wing’s minimum angle of attack rose from 5° to 8°, giving teams the legal authority to push the aero down/up as needed.
Technical tweaks: a steeper rear wing
Employing a brand‑new bracket, the rear wing’s maximum admissible angle was expanded from 7° to 12°, allowing the blade to sit steeper and generate additional downforce.
Resulting gains of a few kilograms at the rear axle are offset by a slight reduction in top speed, so the teams increased boost pressure by up to 0.1 bar in the high‑RPM range.
Practical impact on the track
During the DTM free‑practice at Zandvoort, the upgraded wing proved vital in high‑speed corners, stabilising the car and improving corner entry.
The Reynard‑world Challenge Europe event at Monza validated the configuration as well, where even the fastest circuits demanded the higher angle for adequate rear downforce.
Adjusting strategy and pace
The Grasser squad described the initial weekend as “almost a test,” noting that two practice sessions are insufficient to fully exploit the new aero package.
Mirko Bortolotti’s fourth‑place grid position and the gap between Saturday and Sunday show the team’s learning curve and the need for driver experience with the altered balance.
Looking ahead
With the DTM and SRO operating beyond FIA’s homologation envelope, Lamborghini’s GT3 will undoubtedly continue to refine its aerodynamic philosophy, and the next race will decide whether the change delivers a sustainable performance leap.
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