Pirelli test at Le Castellet
Nicki Thiim was recently spotted at the Pirelli test in Le Castellet, where the Comtoyou team was present with an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo. Pirelli will release a special DTM tyre in 2026 and is testing various prototypes in southern France to see how they work with GT3 cars.
This is a pure DTM test. Comtoyou is participating on behalf of Aston Martin Racing alongside other factory teams. The team did not want to officially reveal who was behind the wheel, but Thiim himself posted a photo of the Vantage on Instagram and reported that he was first in Monaco and later in Le Castellet.
Signs that it is time to switch
The fact that Thiim drives for Comtoyou is strong circumstantial evidence, but not conclusive proof, that he will be racing for Aston Martin in the DTM in 2026. However, there are several signs that point in that direction.
According to information circulating among insiders, Aston Martin does not want Thiim to continue racing for other brands in the DTM. In 2024 and 2025, he drove for the Lamborghini teams SSR Performance and Abt with his manufacturer's permission. That permission may be withdrawn next year.
Thiim is 36 and has won the GTE class at Le Mans, achieved success in the WEC and major endurance races at the Nürburgring and Spa, among other things. The only thing missing from his list of achievements is the DTM title. This seems to be a major motivation for him to go all out for a comeback in the series.
Comtoyou and the role of Aston Martin
Comtoyou made its DTM debut in 2025 and showed positive signs at the season finale in Hockenheim, including pole position for Gilles Magnus. Team boss Francois Verbist remained tight-lipped about test data and drivers, stating that the information was confidential.
The team hopes for more support from the factory team in 2026. Verbist has already indicated that it would be desirable to have two cars at the start in order to better develop strategies and learn more. If Aston Martin offers more operational support, the arrival of a factory driver seems likely — and Nicki Thiim knows the DTM like no other within the Aston framework.
- Why Thiim is a logical candidate: experience with GT3, DTM knowledge and hunger for the title.
- Why Comtoyou insists: more learning points with two cars and better factory support.
- Uncertainties: official confirmation is lacking and Aston Martin may adjust its driver policy.
Now what?
The coming weeks and months will make it clearer whether Thiim will actually be part of the Aston Martin programme in 2026. For now, there are strong indications: his presence at the Pirelli test, the possible expiry of releases by Aston Martin and Comtoyou's desire for more factory support.
For Thiim, a move to Comtoyou could be the final piece of the puzzle in his quest for that coveted DTM title. For Comtoyou, an experienced factory driver would bring extra knowledge and credibility. Official confirmations are still pending, but the lines to Aston Martin seem clearly drawn.
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