MUNICH, Germany — The Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg will host the championship decision from October 9-11.
Six drivers from five manufacturers will battle for the DTM crown on the historic circuit. Championship leader Thomas Preining (AUT/Manthey) has the best prospects. The Porsche factory driver travels to the finale with a 23-point lead and aims to become champion for the second time.
Hot on his heels are Maro Engel (MONACO/Mercedes-AMG Team Ravenol) and Marco Wittmann (Fürth/Schubert Motorsport), who also have good title chances with 56 points still up for grabs. Lucas Auer (AUT/Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf), Matteo Cairoli (ITA/Emil Frey Racing), and Nicki Thiim (DEN/Comtoyou Racing) also dream of overall victory.
The trio needs a perfect weekend and must hope for slip-ups from their rivals. Sasha as Dick Brave provides the perfect prelude to the showdown on Saturday evening.
The 28-year-old Preining put on a masterful display in the second half of the season. He finished on the podium six times in a row and started from the front row five times.
After this strong run, the Austrian is the favorite for the championship, especially since he has already won three times at Hockenheim. However, with the favorite status comes increased pressure – also for his team, Manthey.
Preining remains calm: “When you want to be champion, you’re always under pressure. But we’ve worked towards this situation and we can handle it. Nothing is decided yet, even if a 23-point lead sounds good.”
Engel, on the other hand, experienced a completely different season. After a strong first half, the previously dominant Mercedes-AMG driver showed signs of nerves recently. He failed to score points twice and lost his lead in the standings. In Hockenheim, Engel must switch into attack mode if he wants to crown his successful year so far with his first DTM title.
“It’s a good feeling to be involved in the championship fight for the third time in a row in Hockenheim. I like these important moments and can handle the pressure well. Our entire team is ready for the finale,” Engel assures.
BMW driver Wittmann is aiming for his third DTM title. His form is on a steep upward trajectory: he has won two of the last three races. These are ideal conditions to make up the 24-point deficit and overtake Preining on the final straight.
“We’re in the hunter’s position and have nothing to lose, only to gain. I have to finish ahead of Thomas Preining on Saturday, then anything is possible in the final race on Sunday,” explains the 36-year-old, who has already been successful four times at Hockenheim. Mercedes-AMG driver Auer, Ferrari driver Cairoli, and Thiim in the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 go into the finale with outside chances: trailing Preining by 45, 47, and 50 points respectively, they are dependent on mistakes by their competitors.
Team standings fiercely contested, Calendar leads the “Rookie of the Year” ranking
In the team and manufacturers’ championships, 90 points remain to be awarded. The teams are in a tight race: Manthey leads by 20 points over Mercedes-AMG Team Winward Racing. Schubert Motorsport follows in third place, 13 points behind. Emil Frey Racing, in fourth, is also still within striking distance.
In the manufacturers’ standings, championship leader Mercedes-AMG has a comfortable cushion of 68 points. Only Porsche could still pose a threat to the brand with the three-pointed star. In the “Rookie of the Year” standings, Tom Kalender (Hamm/Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf) is in first place. Finn Wiebelhaus (Obertshausen/HRT Ford Racing) and Nicolas Baert (Belgium/Comtoyou Racing) occupy second and third place, respectively.
