After a solid debut in the 2024 season and participation in the GT World Challenge Powered by AWS season opener in Malaysia, Absolute Corse’s Ferrari 296 GT3 will return for the next round in Indonesia, with experienced European driver Thierry Vermeulen joining the line-up.
Bronze-rated Anderson Tanoto will return to the cockpit of the Ferrari next month when the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Central Lombok, Indonesia, hosts Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2025 GT World Challenge Asia from 9–11 May 2025. This event marks the championship's debut at the venue, which is renowned for its picturesque coastal setting and modern facilities.
For his home race, the Indonesian AM driver will team up with DTM driver Thierry Vermeulen. The 22-year-old Dutch racing driver is making a name for himself in GT3 racing in Europe but will compete in Asia for the first time. However, he is well familiar with the Ferrari 296 GT3, having secured one pole position and one podium in the highly competitive German DTM series last season with an Italian-made machine.
Speaking ahead of his debut in the series, Thierry Vermeulen said: "I’m excited to make my debut in the GT World Challenge Asia with Absolute Corse. This will be my first race in the championship, and I’m looking forward to using my experience with the Ferrari 296 GT3 to support the team. I’ll be racing alongside Anderson, and we hope to achieve a strong result. The Mandalika circuit looks exciting, and while it’s new for many drivers, we’ve been preparing on the simulator. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to a great race, hoping the fans enjoy the event and the driver line-up.”
Revealing some of Absolute Corse's plans for the Ferrari 296 GT3, Team Principal Ingo Matter added: "We are really happy to have this partial GT World Challenge Asia programme with Anderson and Ferrari, and to be part of the Mandalika circuit premiere in the championship. We are sure that Thierry will be a great asset to the team's performance in this race. Our racing programme with the Ferrari won’t stop there, as we have plans for it in Thailand’s TSS Super Series and other races later in the year.”
Further details on Absolute Corse Ferrari's season plans will be revealed later in the year.
