Spa 24 Hours Preview: Comtoyou Racing’s #7 Aston Martin Vantage Aims for Repeat
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium—Defending champions Marco Sorensen, Nicki Thiim, and Mattia Drudi in the #7 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin Vantage are prepared to defend their title at the 2025 Spa 24 Hours. The trio brings a wealth of experience and continuity after a solid season in the GT World Challenge Europe, culminating in a fourth-place finish in the Endurance Cup standings.
Sorensen and Thiim, seasoned competitors with years of collaboration in various Aston Martin vehicles, express confidence ahead of the race. Drudi, in his second year as an Aston Martin Racing factory driver, is adapting well after transitioning from Audi’s works program. "I’m super happy," Drudi remarked before securing eighth on the grid during Friday’s Superpole session. He highlighted the advantages of racing alongside seasoned drivers like Thiim and Sorensen as critical to his development.
In a noteworthy performance earlier this season, Drudi achieved podium finishes at the Daytona and Asian Le Mans Series events, along with setting pole position at Le Mans, a significant highlight given his father’s history at the event. "It’s been a positive start; I’m just missing a win so far!" he noted.
Looking ahead to the Spa race, Thiim expressed optimism about their team’s prospects, stating, "We know how it’s done… we’re in an even better position than last year." Sorensen added insight into the challenges posed by the increased grid size of 75 cars, emphasizing the need for strategic survival in this high-stakes environment. He noted, "The new Pirelli tyres have changed the car’s behavior, making it sensitive to temperature fluctuations."
Sorensen’s experience extends beyond GT racing; his involvement with Aston Martin’s Hypercar program has enriched his understanding. "You’re learning a lot suddenly," he said, underscoring the disparity between GT3 and Hypercar racing demands.
Drudi also prepares for a grueling schedule, contesting the Spa 24 after previous commitments at Daytona and the Nürburgring, and even joining the Fun Cup 25 Hours at Spa. "Three just wasn’t enough," he quipped, although he acknowledged the physical toll of such an intensive racing calendar.
As the 2025 Spa 24 Hours approaches, the #7 Comtoyou Racing team remains focused, drawing from their shared experience and aiming to navigate the complexities of race day with precision and resilience.
