In 2008, Daniel Abt decided to focus on single-seater racing, so his involvement in the 2016 ADAC GT Masters as a member of the Bentley Team ABT squad marked a departure as he contested his first full season in GT3. A switch, which initially took some time: "The Bentley Continental GT3 obviously handles significantly differently to the nippy and lightweight formula cars that I've been used to driving. It's a heavy vehicle and the steering wheel is on the right. It was difficult getting accustomed to the tyres - for example, the difference between new and used."

After scoring points in only one race in the first half of the season, Abt's form picked up dramatically in the second. At the Red Bull Ring, he and team-mate Jordan Pepper finished as runners-up - their best result so far: "It's got better and better. It stands to reason that I've had a lot to learn this year. It would have been delusional to enter the ADAC GT Masters and assert that I was going to beat the people who've been here for seven years or longer. The podium was definitely the highlight for me. The result was a further proof that, under the right circumstances, we can be up there with the front-runners."

Like all the other Super Sports Car League drivers, Abt has one more chance to shine in the season finale at Hockenheim on the weekend of 30th September - 10th October: "The Hockenheimring is one of the circuits I know best. And you might say it's my 'home race', because none of the other tracks are closer to Kempten where I live. I think that the layout suits our Bentley rather well. Consequently, I would like to finish my apprenticeship year on a high note. Everyone in the team is motivated to get the maximum, and I personally will be doing everything in my power to ensure that all their hard work is rewarded."

Daniel Abt's team manager at Bentley Team ABT is an old hand in the ADAC GT Masters, namely his uncle Christian Abt who won the championship in 2009. What's it like working for a family firm? "Obviously I'm often asked about my name and comparisons are made with my relatives. Public expectations are high, but that pushes me more than it holds me back. I have spent the majority of my formula junior career driving for other teams, so I've seen it from both sides. The bottom line is that the quality has to be right, and that's certainly the case at Bentley Team ABT. There are a lot of experienced people working here from whom I can learn a lot."

Whereas some of his ADAC GT Masters opponents and colleagues can relax after the final, Daniel Abt has to get in the right frame of mind for his next challenge just one week later. In the FIA Formula E, he will be driving for Team ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport, as he has done for the past two campaigns. Last season, he made three podium appearances and finished seventh: "Formula E has made another giant leap forwards in terms of quality. Jaguar will be on the grid, our partner manufacturer Audi have announced that they will be entering a factory team, and many new top names can be found in the driver line-up. We are well set up for the challenge ahead, and we intend continue where we left off last season."