Mirko Bortolotti endured a challenging start to the 2026 DTM season at the Red Bull Ring, as Lamborghini’s new Temerario GT3 failed to break into the top 10 in Race 1.
The Grasser Racing Team driver finished 13th, making him the highest-placed Lamborghini, but the result reflected the current limitations of the brand-new car.
Speaking to Motorsport-Total, he said, “I believe, at the end of the day, that is a dream result with the car.”
A result beyond expectations despite lack of pace
Despite finishing outside the top positions, Bortolotti remained realistic about what was achievable given the current performance of the Temerario GT3.
“13th place is a great result, but there was no chance under these circumstances,” he admitted.
The Italian focused on extracting the maximum from the car, even as the gap to the front remained significant.
“I am simply focusing on getting everything out of the car. There is not much more you can do.”
A look at the lap times underlined the challenge. Bortolotti’s best lap of 1:29.993 left him over a second adrift of the pace-setting Porsche, highlighting the performance deficit Lamborghini currently faces.
Penalty adds to a difficult race
Bortolotti’s race also included a setback during the pit phase, when he exceeded the pit lane speed limit and received a penalty lap.
He responded with humour before acknowledging the issue.
“At least we were the fastest car in the pit lane. That makes me happy.”
“Jokes aside, we need to look at why that happened.”
Temerario still facing major challenges
The 2024 DTM champion made it clear that the car still requires significant development across multiple areas.
“The car is still far from where I would like it to be, but we already knew that in November.”
He added, “At the moment there are many areas we need to work on.”
From braking to corner entry and acceleration, the car currently struggles in key performance areas, leaving Lamborghini unable to challenge at the front.
“The gap is simply huge.”
Managing expectations for the season ahead
Looking ahead, Bortolotti remained cautious about what Lamborghini can achieve in the short term, emphasising the need to work within the car’s current limitations.
“We have to try to do a good job within our possibilities and within the limits.”
“There is not much more you can do.”
He acknowledged the level of competition in the DTM and the difficulty of closing the gap.
“We are competing at the very highest level against the elite. It will be difficult to close the gap.”
Finding positives in close battles
Despite the overall struggles during Race 1 of the 2026 DTM Red Bull Ring, Bortolotti still found moments to fight on track, including a duel with fellow Lamborghini factory driver, Luca Engstler, early in the race.
“I was a bit faster, I tried to go around the outside in Turn 7. He pushed me wide, and then in the next corner I just committed a little bit more.”
“I closed the door a bit too much, there was slight contact, but nothing serious. That is how it should be.”
He also embraced the internal battles among Lamborghini drivers.
“We have our own little cup back there and we just have to win it.”
A long road ahead for Lamborghini
While the result represented the maximum possible under difficult conditions, it also highlighted the scale of the challenge facing Lamborghini as it develops the Temerario GT3.
For Bortolotti, the focus remains clear: maximise performance, continue the development of the Lamborghini Temerario GT3, and close the gap step by step in what is shaping up to be a demanding 2026 DTM season.
