Nicki Thiim heads into the final weekend of the 2026 DTM season at the Hockenheimring still mathematically in contention for the championship. Sitting sixth in the standings, the Dane faces an uphill battle to claim the title but remains proud of what he and Comtoyou Racing have achieved during their first season together with Aston Martin.
After a challenging few years in the championship, Thiim has enjoyed a more competitive campaign in 2026, highlighted by a memorable victory at the Norisring. While the title remains mathematically possible, the Aston Martin driver has set his sights on enjoying the final weekend and potentially securing a top-three finish in the championship.
Speaking exclusively to Pit Debrief following Friday’s two free practice sessions, FP1 and FP2, and ahead of Qualifying 1 at Hockenheim, Thiim reflected on his seasong, the team’s progress and his expectations for the final two races.
Thiim remains realistic about his championship chances
Despite arriving at the Hockenheimring as one of six drivers still mathematically in contention for the DTM title, Thiim acknowledged that claiming the championship would require an extraordinary turn of events.
“Yes, I have to be realistic too. First of all, I’m incredibly proud just to be here at all. To be here at the Hockenheim finale as a title contender and to be fighting it out with the team. Of course, you have to say that either the sun has to fall from the sky or the Epstein files has to be announced tomorrow with everyone’s name on it for that to happen [him winning the championship].”
With the odds stacked against him, the Dane is choosing to embrace the occasion rather than let the championship standings overshadow the significance of reaching the season finale as a title contender. For Thiim, competing in the DTM represents the fulfilment of a childhood ambition, making the opportunity to fight among the championship’s leading drivers particularly meaningful.
“That’s how I’m approaching this finale, and I just want to enjoy the moment. One thing is certain: I always try to enjoy the moment and appreciate the fact that I’m racing in the DTM at all. Which, of course, has been a childhood dream of mine, ever since I was a very young boy.”
A fresh start with Aston Martin and a memorable Norisring victory
Thiim’s first season with Aston Marting has represented an important step forward in his DTM career. Following difficult campaigns with Lamborghini machinery, the Dane believes his current environment has finally allowed him to compete on more equal terms with his rivals.
“As you mentioned, this is my first year with Aston. To be honest, this is the first season where I’ve had a fair chance against the others. I’m naturally grateful to Lambo, SSR and ABT for giving me this opportunity. But I also knew that opportunities were few and far between. They were difficult years – last year with ABT, of course – but yes, that’s beside the point.”
Although the season has included its share of disappointments, Thiim particularly highlighted the Norisring as a defining moment. The victories provided a significant high point after the frustration of missing out on a potential win at the Lausitzring.
“That’s why this is finally a year where I know the car. That’s why I was absolutely delighted. The Norisring is, of course, a highlight. The Lausitzring really stung – having the win snatched away from us. But then, of course, the Norisring. Unbelievable. We’re still trying to come to terms with it, because it’s the sort of thing that happens just once in a racing driver’s career – when you simply sweep the board.”
Changing conditions offer little hope of a title comeback
With rain forecast for the final race weekend at the Hockenheimring, unpredictable conditions could play a role in deciding the championship. However, Thiim dismissed the suggestion that the weather might provide the opportunity he need to overturn his points deficit. Instead he emphasised the difference in resources between Comtoyou Racing and some of its established rivals, while highlightn another championship battle that remains important to the team.
“As I said, I’m taking a very realistic view. The title is out of reach. On paper, I’m proud that we’re taking part. When you think about it – and of course only an insider would know this – the resources we have compared to teams like Manthey or BMW are worlds apart. That’s why I’m delighted to be here. But realistically speaking, no, we’re not in the running for the title. But that doesn’t mean we’re not going into this weekend motivated. We’re fully committed. The lads, in particular, are still fighting for the Pit Stop Challenge. We’re only one point behind. That makes me really proud – the performance the lads have put in. Especially when you compare it to last year.“
While the drivers’ championship may be a long shot, the Pit Stop Challenge gives the team another clear objective heading into the final two races.
Building a stronger foundation for Comtoyou Racing
Beyond individual results, Thiim believes Comtoyou Racing’s progress deserves recognition, particularly given the team’s limited experience in the DTM. With the Belgian outfit still establishing itself in the championship, the Dane explained that gathering useful data and building a reliable foundation remain essential to becoming consistently competitive.
“On top of that, this is actually only the team’s second year here. I have to be completely honest and fair and say that the information we gathered last year might as well be thrown in the bin. We’re actually starting from scratch every weekend. To be honest, I hope this continues. Then at least you have a foundation, which is incredibly important in the DTM. Every race weekend, we start from somewhere rather than from scratch.“
His comments underline the challenges of developing a competitive package in the DTM, where experience and preparation can make a significant difference. For Thiim, the progress made throughout the season offers encouragement beyond the immediate championship standings.
A top-three championship finish remains the ultimate goal
With the title seemingly beyond reach, Thiim has shifted his focus towards ending the DTM season on a positive note at the Hockenheimring. Although another victory would be a welcome achievement, he acknowledged the challenges Aston Martin faces this weekend.
“Any racing driver would say that. Not necessarily pole position, but it was a race win at one point. But I don’t want to talk about this BOP issue, because we hear about it every day. I’ve had enough of hearing about it. But I have to be realistic. It’s going to be difficult for us to achieve anything here. That’s why I’m going into this. The people I love are here. And I’ve got an incredible team here. As you can see, we’re all one big family. We spend almost every weekend together.“
For the Dane, the final weekend is also an opportunity to reflect on his career and appreciate the people who have supported him throughout the season.
“That’s why I just want to enjoy this moment. Just being here in the DTM – I really appreciate that. I’m getting to an age now where you see life differently. I love this moment, just being able to sit here. Just to be able to say I was in the DTM with Aston Martin. They’ve done an incredible job. But yes, it would be a dream to say on Sunday after the final race that I’m in the top three in the championship. That would be the ultimate goal. Not the championship itself, but to be in the top three would be incredible if it actually happened.“
While Thiim has largely ruled out a championship triumph, a place among the top three in the final standings remains an ambition worth fighting for. Regardless of the outcome at the Hockenheimring, Thiim’s reflection highlight the significance of his first DTM season with Aston Martin and the progress Comtoyou Racing has made. With two races remaining, Thiim hopes to conclude the campaign with another strong result and give his team one final reason to celebrate this season.
