DTM title battle to the finish set for Hockenheim

The final act of the 2026 DTM title battle plays out this weekend with two races at the Hockenheimring. Six drivers, at the wheel of cars from five manufacturers, will battle it out for the DTM crown at the iconic circuit, with both races airing live on RACER Network and the RACER+ App.

In pole position is championship leader Thomas Preining. The Manthey Porsche works driver travels to the finale with a 23-point lead, as he looks to be crowned champion for the second time. Hot on his heels are Maro Engel (Mercedes-AMG Team Ravenol) and Marco Wittmann (Schubert Motorsport). With 56 points still up for grabs, they will still fancy their chances of clinching the title.

Lucas Auer (Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf), Matteo Cairoli (Emil Frey Racing) and Nicki Thiim (Comtoyou Racing) can also dream of ending the season on top of the table. However, this trio would need a perfect weekend and for their rivals to slip up.

28-year-old Preining's form in the second half of the season has been worthy of a champion. Six times in a row he has made it onto the podium, and the Porsche driver has started from the front row of the grid on five occasions. On the back of this impressive run, the Austrian is favorite for the title, given the fact that he already has three race wins to his name in Hockenheim. However, the role of favorite brings with it extra pressure for him and his Manthey team. Despite this, Preining appears relaxed about the situation.

"If you want to be champion, then that always comes with pressure. However, we have worked hard to be in this situation and know how to deal with it," he said. "Nothing is decided yet, even if I am well positioned with a 23-point lead."

Engel has had a very contrasting season to that of the championship leader. After an impressive first half, in which the Mercedes-AMG driver looked imperious at times, he has shown some nerves of late. Twice he has failed to score points, resulting in Preining replacing him at the top of the table. Engel needs to switch to attack mode in Hockenheim, if he is to have any chance of ending a successful year with his first DTM title.

"It feels good to be involved in the title race in Hockenheim for the third time in a row. I like these big moments and am good at dealing with the pressure. Our whole team is ready for the finale," says Engel.

BMW driver Wittmann has his sights set on a third DTM title. A dramatic recent improvement in form has seen him win two of the past three races.

"We are in the role of the hunter and have nothing to lose. We can only win," said Wittman, who has tasted success in Hockenheim on four occasions in the past. "I have to finish ahead of Thomas Preining on Saturday, then it will be all to play for in the final race on Sunday,"

Mercedes-AMG driver Auer, Ferrari racer Cairoli, and Thiim in the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 have outside chances coming into the finale: currently 45, 47 and 50 points behind Preining, they will be dependent upon the opposition making mistakes.

There are still 90 points to be won in the team and manufacturer competitions. The team championship is headed for a dramatic conclusion: Manthey holds a 20-point lead over Mercedes-AMG Team Winward Racing. They are followed in third place, 13 points back, by Schubert Motorsport. Emil Frey Racing in fourth place are also still within striking distance.

In the manufacturer competition, Mercedes-AMG has a comfortable 68-point advantage. Only Porsche could still pose a threat to the brand.

In the Rookie of the Year standings, Tom Kalender (Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf) leads the way. Finn Wiebelhaus (HRT Ford Racing) and Nicolas Baert (Comtoyou Racing) are second and third.

Catch all the action from Hockeheim on RACER Network and the RACE+ App. Race 1 airs Saturday starting at 6:55am ET, with Sunday's Race 2 starting at 9:55am ET.