Nico Verdonck (27, Belgium) and Frank Kechele (26, Germany) will line up for the season opener of the ADAC GT Masters at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben in the Ford GT GT3 prepared by Lambda Performance. For Kechele, who trained at Moto Park Academy in Oschersleben, this coming weekend's fixture represents the first highlight of the new season, since he knows the track so very well and has plenty of fans and friends in the area.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge. The guys at Lambda Performance have done a very good job and the Lambda Ford GT GT3 is a really successful car with strong aerodynamics and well-sorted balance. We now have to get some experience of the new car under our belts and secure some decent points in both races," said Frank Kechele, talking about his new team. Kechele is no stranger to ADAC GT Masters fans: the German driver has competed in the Super Sports Car League since 2008, fielding a variety of cars - Lamborghini, Audi, and Corvette.

This will be Nico Verdonck's second season at Lambda Performance. The 27-year-old Belgian contested the 2012 ADAC GT Masters season with Team Lambda Performance, proving his skill with two podiums and two fourth places.

Nico Verdonck: "I'm thrilled to be on the grid again this season for Lambda Performance, who are a very strong team. In the test sessions at Oschersleben with the new GT3 Ford GT, it was obvious straightaway that the crew's hard work during the winter has paid off - the new Ford GT has made massive progress." Verdonck is also delighted about his new team-mate: "I already know Frank from last season. He is a very good and experienced driver, plus, he knows how to achieve championship success."

In 2011, Verdonck secured the Belgian Touring Car Series championship, was victorious in the Blancpain Endurance Series and became the first Formula Le Mans champion in 2009. Nico Verdonck has also been impressive previously, finishing on the podium several times in the FIA GT1 World Championship.