Thomas Preining began his DTM 2026 preparations at the Red Bull Ring, as the Austrian used the pre-season test to build momentum ahead of the new campaign. Returning to action after a long winter break, he approached the sessions with a clear focus on laying the groundwork for the season opener at his home circuit. With strong results in recent years, he arrived, aware of both the opportunity and the expectations surrounding him.
A perfect stage to begin
Preining welcomed the return to racing after months away from competition. The long off-season made the first laps feel even more meaningful, especially with the season beginning on home soil. He regarded the Red Bull Ring as an ideal venue to start the year, pointing to its layout and racing characteristics. The combination of long straights, overtaking opportunities and often unpredictable weather conditions has consistently produced close and exciting racing, making it a fitting stage for the opening round.
“It’s a mixed bag. On the one hand, I’m delighted that we’re finally getting the season underway again. It’s been a very long winter for the DTM. I’m glad things are finally moving forward. And then, of course, kicking things off with a highlight for me – a home race – is brilliant.
“Generally speaking, I think this is the perfect venue for an opening race. So many overtaking opportunities. The races are always exciting. The weather is always a factor; there’s always plenty of excitement here. It’s sure to be a cracking weekend.”
Early running delivered a positive foundation for Preining’s DTM 2026 campaign. The team worked through a structured programme, focusing heavily on understanding the new tyres introduced for the season. With limited reference points available, gathering data became essential. Initial feedback remained encouraging, as the car behaved reliably and allowed the team to progress smoothly through their planned runs without major setbacks.
“So far, so good. Obviously, these are new tyres for everyone. We’ve already got a comprehensive testing programme in place and plenty planned, and there’s still quite a bit we want to try out. So far, we’re happy and everything’s going to plan.”
Carrying the weight of success
Preining entered DTM 2026 with a strong record, having secured the title in 2023 and remained among the frontrunners last season. Those results naturally placed him among the key names to watch once again. He acknowledged the expectations that come with that status, but approached them with a balanced mindset. Continued success, he understood, would depend on sustained effort, as maintaining a position at the front of such a competitive field requires constant work.
“I think we’re in a very strong position. You can’t just brush that aside. That’s just the way it is. You can’t shake it off. You have to earn that as a team. In that sense, I think, on the one hand, we can be very proud of what we’ve achieved over the last few years. But on the other hand, of course, we have to keep working just as hard. And if we want to stay right up there with the leaders, it won’t happen by itself. You’ve got new team-mates.”
A partnership already in sync
Preining continued his DTM 2026 preparations alongside new teammate Ricardo Feller, with the pair quickly establishing a strong working relationship. Their experience together in other championships helped create a straightforward dynamic from the outset. Clear communication proved particularly important during a test shaped by new variables, allowing both drivers to share insights efficiently and strengthen the overall team approach.
“Great, straightforward and easy. We get on really well. We’re teammates in the IMSA. We’re team-mates in the GT World Challenge. I see him more than I see my girlfriend. I don’t know if that’s such a good thing – probably not.
“We get on really well. That’s also very important in the DTM. Even though we each have our own car. Especially when it’s a new tyre, it’s all the more important that communication is there. That the teamwork is right. And it absolutely is.”
Understanding the new machinery
Adapting to the updated Porsche 911 GT3 R formed a key part of Preining’s DTM 2026 test programme. The presence of both a revised car and new tyres made direct comparisons with previous seasons difficult, as each element influenced the car’s behaviour. Early impressions pointed to changes in both aerodynamic balance and mechanical characteristics, indicating a shift in the underlying platform. While the initial response remained positive, there was still significant work ahead to fully understand and optimise the package.
“It’s quite difficult to judge that directly. Because you don’t have a concrete comparison with last year due to the new tyres, it’s hard to say what’s down to what. But fundamentally, we’re certainly in a different position, both aerodynamically and mechanically, particularly when it comes to the basic platform. There’s still a lot to learn there. We’ve already tried out quite a few things today and are generally very satisfied.”
Fine margins define expectations
Preining expected the competitive picture in the 2026 DTM season to remain unclear until much closer to the race weekend. The field appeared extremely tight, meaning even small details could prove decisive. Although it was too early to draw firm conclusions, confidence in the overall package continued to grow. Racing at the Red Bull Ring added extra motivation, with a strong home result standing out as a clear target, even as rivals aimed to achieve the same.
“Both. It’s incredibly tight. Everything has to be spot on anyway, that’s for sure. But on the other hand, it’s still too early. I think it’ll take until next week, Saturday morning, before we really know where we stand. Basically, I absolutely love racing here.
“I wouldn’t wish for anything more than my next home win. But unfortunately, there are a few of my colleagues who have other ideas.”
