Comtoyou Racing is in “really close discussion” with several manufacturers as it plots its future in GT3 racing while it considers remaining with Audi as a serious option according to team manager Francois Verbist.
The Belgian outfit made its Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS debut this season after years of success in TCR competition, entering three Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo IIs in both Endurance and Sprint Cup.
Audi announced in July that it will shutter its factory support in GT racing, which includes the closure of its works driver pool as well as the end of new car sales for GT2, GT3 and GT4 models “after Q1 2024.” On-site customer support service is set to continue for the foreseeable future.
Verbist told Sportscar365 that Comtoyou is evaluating continuing with Audi for its sophomore year in GT3 competition, while also revealing that talks with other manufacturers are taking place.
“Of course, the decision from Audi is not about stopping, it’s about different perspectives,” he said.
“So to be fair, you can see [the] Audi is still a competitive car, it’s still reliable for endurance races. I think we are the only team who actually bought new cars. I think all the others were continuing with what they have.
“The value of the car and the way the GT3 is, it’s not a bad investment. The cars are the cars and they are well prepared, followed by kilometers. So whatever we do, this is not a blocking point.
“But now we are in discussion. We are in really close discussion [with] a few manufacturers, which is good for us because as a new team, for Comtoyou, it’s the first year in GT3.
“We are happy about the level we are and we are competing with fair tools to other teams. So far, that’s most important for us.
“We are happy about the level we put as a team, strategy wise, pit stop and drivers environment. So that’s what was really important for us.”
Should Comtoyou remain with the Ingolstadt manufacturer in 2024, it will be joined by longtime Audi squad Sainteloc Racing, which recently signaled its intention to continue fielding Audi machinery moving forward.
Verbist explained that stability is key factor for the Belgian squad in its decision making process as it looks to do more than just “fill up the grid.”
“Now for the future, what we are definitely looking for is to have a stable partner to not to work over a year,” he said.
“It’s really important that we build something for at least for the next three years because we don’t do that only to fill up the grid.
“We have a professional team which employs professional staff. So it’s why it takes a bit long, but we are only in September.
“So we take the time to analyze and to go in the right direction. Continuing with Audi is an option. Going with a new or let’s say other manufacturers is also an option.
“We are very open and most important for us is to keep the level of the team and to be able to perform and to have a good mix of customers and pro cars because that’s what we understand and what we like out of GT3.”
Vervisch Pursuing New Factory Driver Contract Elsewhere
Frederic Vervisch, who drives for Comtoyou in both Endurance and Sprint Cup, is one of several drivers who will be out of contract with Audi at the end of this year.
The Belgian, along with names such as Christopher Mies, Ricardo Feller, Christopher Haase and Mattia Drudi, is one of 14 who was informed of the situation in July.
A few months after the news, Vervisch told Sportscar365 that he is engaged with multiple parties with the goal of joining a factory driver roster elsewhere after his Audi contract ends.
“I don’t want to stop racing, so that’s a clear thing,” said Vervisch.
“If I want to continue, I need to look around and we are in talks with different parties, let’s say. So I hope to find something. My target is to drive again. So therefore, we talk with different brands to hopefully find something.
“My aim is to find a factory drive. I think I have the experience, I have the right age, I’m still fast to help a brand, to help a team.
“I think to have a non-factory deal, this is possible, but I would like to postpone it as long as possible because I think you can do that also when you’re a bit older.
“Because now I’m used to working in a factory environment and I like it a lot. I also know this is probably my last stage in my career. So my target is clear to find something with a manufacturer.”
