The 2026 DTM season finally gets underway this weekend at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, as the fastest circuit on the calendar plays host to the first two races of the year from 24 to 26 April. Two home favourites headline the entry list, a new fan feature launches, and a packed support programme rounds out what promises to be a spectacular opening round.
Two home heroes eye glory in Spielberg
Mercedes-AMG driver and reigning vice-champion Lucas Auer and Porsche factory pilot Thomas Preining both arrive at the Red Bull Ring with ambitions of claiming a home victory on Austrian soil.
Auer, who hails from Tyrol, has prepared intensively over the winter and arrives highly motivated. “In the DTM, the best drivers and teams go head to head. I have prepared intensively over the winter, spent a lot of time in the car, and racing in front of my home fans naturally gives me huge motivation,” the 31-year-old said. He also identified the new Pirelli tyre, developed exclusively for the DTM, as the defining challenge of the season ahead. “At the opening round, and throughout the entire season, it will above all come down to who understands the new tyre quickest. That is, in my view, the biggest challenge.”
Preining, the 2023 DTM champion from Linz, has already tasted victory at the Red Bull Ring and wants to repeat that feat in the updated Porsche 911 GT3 R. “I am delighted that after a long winter, we are finally back underway. Opening the season at the Red Bull Ring is an absolute highlight for me,” he said. “The DTM races there have always been exciting in recent years, and the circuit offers plenty of overtaking opportunities. I love racing at the Red Bull Ring and naturally I am hoping for a home win to start the season.”
Lamborghini arrives in the Alps
The TGI Team by GRT begins a new era at their home circuit in Styria, fielding two brand new Lamborghini Temerario GT3s for factory drivers Mirko Bortolotti and Maximilian Paul. The team is based in Knittelfeld, just a short distance from the circuit itself.
Bortolotti, who lives in Vienna, acknowledged the challenge that comes with a completely new car. “We are starting with a completely new vehicle, so development work will be key at the start of the season,” he said. “In the DTM you need maximum performance to be successful. Once we have the pace we need, anything is possible. It naturally helps a great deal that I have known Team Grasser for many years and we have a very trusting relationship.”
BMW and the DTM Debutants
BMW drivers Marco Wittmann and DTM returnee Kelvin van der Linde arrive as clear favourites, with the BMW M4 GT3 having won at least one DTM race in Austria in each of the past three seasons.
Four drivers make their DTM debuts at the Red Bull Ring this weekend. Experienced Italians Matteo Cairoli in the Ferrari for Emil Frey Racing and Marco Mapelli for Red Bull Team Abt join the grid alongside young talent Bastian Buus for Land-Motorsport in a Porsche, and Road to DTM champion Finn Wiebelhaus, who races for HRT Ford Racing.
Fans vote for Driver of the Day
The 2026 season introduces a new fan feature in partnership with DTM fashion partner PME Legend. Fans can vote for their Driver of the Day via the DTM app and at dtm.com during all 16 races of the season.
A packed 2026 DTM weekend at the Red Bull Ring
The support programme at the Red Bull Ring is equally strong. The ADAC GT Masters launches its 20th season, while the ADAC GT4 Germany runs its first two rounds of twelve. The Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Deutschland and the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) also feature on the bill.
With home heroes hungry for victory, fresh machinery making its debut, and new faces joining the grid, the Red Bull Ring looks set to deliver a thrilling start to the 2026 DTM season. The only question that remains is who will come out on top.
