A new team, two new drivers, one approach: the Project 1 team becomes involved in DTM Trophy with two BMW M4 GT4s and drivers Louis Henkefend (GER) and Colin Caresani (NLD). For the racing stable from Lohne near Oldenburg in Lower Saxony, the participation in the talent pool on the DTM platform is a consequent continuation of its approach in supporting young talents in motorsport. Both drivers have completed a successful season in the BMW M2 Cup in 2021. Now, the next step follows in DTM Trophy. The race series consists of 14 sprint races, the season opener is at DEKRA Lausitzring Turn 1 from 20 till 22 May.
The BMW M2 Cup had its inaugural season on the professional DTM platform in 2021 and is organised by Project 1. “We know that the BMW M2 Cup is a good school,” says Axel Funke, Project 1 Motorsport’s team principal. “With our entry into the DTM Trophy, we’re going one step further and giving the guys the perfect opportunity to get even closer to their dream of becoming a professional racing driver. For Project 1 as a racing team, it is both a new and exciting chapter.” Marcel Jürgens-Wichmann, a fixed element in various motorsport programmes at Project 1 for many years and someone who is also familiar with the young driver support in the one-make series, is in charge of the DTM Trophy programme. “With the Trophy, we’re closing a gap and offering our drivers even better chances to move up the ranks.”
Louis Henkefend is a direct graduate, stepping up into the DTM Trophy as the BMW M2 Cup champion. “I am really happy that it is finally official,” the 21-year-old says. “DTM Trophy is a great series to learn more and to present myself in a top-level environment.” Colin Caresani, who won three races in the 2021 M2 Cup and ended up sixth overall, is looking forward to his promotion: “The BMW M2 Cup has taught me a lot about racing in the DTM environment and I am ready to put that knowledge to use together with the Project 1 team,” the Dutchman comments.
“I’m delighted that the Project 1 team has decided to make a new commitment to the DTM Trophy. In addition, the BMW M2 Cup has produced some highly talented young drivers, some of whom we will be seeing in the DTM Trophy. The one-make series on the DTM support package, in which even 16-year-olds are already admitted, is an excellent entry level while DTM Trophy is the logical next step,” Martin Tomczyk, series’ manager of the DTM organisation ITR, is also pleased. “And I am certain that the next goal of driving the new BMW M4 GT3 in the top category DTM will spur on all the young talents even further.”