MANN-FILTER Motorsport ready to return after coronavirus hiatus for the first ADAC GT Masters race weekend at the Lausitzring

Ludwigsburg, July 22, 2020 - After a delay of around three months due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 season of the ADAC GT Masters will finally get underway on the first weekend of August. Taking part will be the MANN-FILTER Team HTP-WINWARD with the Mamba driver pairing of Maximilian Götz (34, Uffenheim/DE) and Indy Dontje (27, Alkmaar/NL). The race will be held at the 3.4-kilometer Lausitzring, which makes a return to the ADAC GT Masters race calendar for the first time since 2017.

Preparations for the first race weekend are already well underway. The MANN-FILTER driver duo have put in plenty of practice in advance of the first track tests. We're finally ready to get the season off to a great start. MANN-FILTER is, as always, aiming high, and hopes to score a podium finish and points at the Lausitzring.

Indy Dontje and Maximilian Götz made full use of the extended winter break. Away from the smell of gasoline and the motorsport atmosphere, the drivers focused on fitness training and sim racing. "I've never worked so hard on my fitness before," says Dutchman Indy Dontje. "I miss that feeling of nervousness before qualifying and the race." The MANN-FILTER snake charmer has fond memories of the Lausitzring: "In my first ADAC GT Masters year I took second place on the grid in qualifying." The experienced GT3 driver feels he still has something to prove, having managed to finish back in fourth place in the 2017 race. "This year I want to start the season with a podium!" Maximilian Götz feels the same as his teammate: "I know the Lausitzring really well and I've stood on the podium – so I know what it takes to get there. We want to score points and fight for the championship from the very start." The Uffenheim native also used the long winter break for some unconventional pre-season preparation: "The coronavirus lockdown was very tough. However, I believe that we're now ready for all races. A happy ending is in sight. I've spent a lot of time with my family and done things that I wouldn't normally do. It's been a very different kind of pre-season preparation." Nevertheless, he feels somewhat wistful as he looks ahead to the new season: "There'll be no spectators in the stands. That's a shame. Racing in front of the fans is what makes motorsport so special. However, we'll try to put on a good show."