Abt has been associated with Audi in the DTM ever since the series was revived in 2000 and has won five titles with the revered marque during this period.
However, Audi’s decision to exit GT3 racing as a factory and reduce its involvement to basic technical support has forced the squad to consider its options for next year.
A decision to enter the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 in the Nurburgring 24 Hours this year, which was made before Audi’s GT3 withdrawal announcement, had indicated that Abt could extend the collaboration with the Italian manufacturer to the DTM next year.
Indeed, many in the paddock had suggested that Abt was already on the way to switch to Lamborghini for the DTM’s second season under the ownership of the ADAC.
However, Autosport understands that it is now looking more likely that Abt will continue its relationship with Audi for another year - even as their long-term future looks uncertain.
Abt has set an internal deadline of the Hockenheim finale, which takes place on October 21-22, to decide whether to remain with Audi or jump ship to Lamborghini for the 2024 DTM season.
"The nice thing is that both are brands from the [Volkswagen] Group and we somehow belong to this Group, that's important for us," Abt Sports Director Thomas Biermaier told Autosport's sister title Motorsport-Total.com.
"We have a long tradition with Audi. You don't just throw that away. So we'll weigh things up well there."
Abt is holding active discussions with both Audi and Lamborghini regarding 2024. Its car tuning business covers both brands, having recently started selling a tuned version of Lamborghini’s best-seller, Urus.
"There are different issues, but that doesn't just relate to the car but to the overall constellation, including at Abt Sportsline," said Biermaier.
"Certainly, people are thinking about what will happen in the medium term, but in the short term it doesn't have much influence. Issues such as tradition, performance, support and other factors play a role.
Audi Sport boss Rolf Michl and customer racing chief Chris Reinke both worked with Abt in the past, so there is a shared history between the two companies.
Abt director Martin Tomczyk praised Audi for how it has been communicating with his team, saying: “You have to say that the discussions are very open and very clear and direct. Of course, that has to do with our years of collaboration. That helps in situations like this."
Source: Autosport