Experience the Thrill: DTM Ignites the Track at Red Bull Ring!
Anticipation Builds for the DTM Season Opener at Red Bull Ring
The DTM championship is set to ignite its 2026 season at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, a first-ever for the series to launch its campaign in Austria. This highly anticipated event follows an extended winter hiatus, leaving fans eager for the roar of engines and the thrill of competitive racing.
Emerging Stars and Veteran Returnees Reshape the Grid
With the departure of several prominent figures, including reigning champion Ayhancan Guven and star driver Rene Rast, new opportunities arise for other talents to seize the spotlight. South African Kelvin van der Linde makes a triumphant return after a year's absence, aiming to emulate his brother Sheldon's 2023 title victory with Schubert-BMW. Mercedes-AMG's Lucas Auer, last year's runner-up, is equally determined to clinch the championship. Additionally, the Manthey team, featuring Thomas Preining and newcomer Ricardo Feller, is poised to be a strong contender, adding further excitement to the driver lineup.
Innovation on Wheels: New Manufacturers and Tire Technology
The 2026 grid boasts 21 elite drivers, including former Formula 1 pilot Timo Glock in the Dorr-McLaren. Nicki Thiim will compete in an Aston Martin, following in the footsteps of his father, Kurt Thiim, who previously won a DTM title. A significant debut is the new Lamborghini Temerario, replacing the Huracan, with entries from Grasser and Abt teams. Furthermore, Pirelli introduces a new DTM special tire, engineered for enhanced speed and increased wear, which remains a strategic mystery for the teams. Its performance on the Red Bull Ring, particularly in cooler conditions and long straights where tire temperature management is crucial, will be a key factor in the races.
Race Schedule: Don't Miss a Moment of the Action
The DTM Spielberg 2026 weekend features a packed schedule of events (all times CEST). Friday, April 24, includes three training sessions at 10:25 AM, 12:15 PM, and 4:00 PM. Saturday, April 25, kicks off with the first qualifying session at 9:40 AM, followed by Race 1 at 12:55 PM. The weekend concludes on Sunday, April 26, with the second qualifying session at 9:30 AM and Race 2 at 12:55 PM, promising an action-filled motorsport spectacle.
Where to Watch: Broadcast Information for Global Fans
The 2026 DTM season retains its familiar weekend format, with qualifying sessions preceding each race. A single mandatory pit stop is required for Saturday's race, while Sunday's race demands two, consistent with the 2025 regulations. German-speaking fans can enjoy live coverage and commentary on ran.de and Joyn. For international viewers, additional English live streams are available on the official DTM YouTube channel. Furthermore, ProSieben will broadcast the races in Germany, ServusTV in Austria, and UK fans can tune into DAZN for comprehensive coverage.
A Showcase of Automotive Excellence: Diverse Brands on Track
This season features an impressive array of eight premier automotive brands, spread across eleven teams, battling for supremacy. Spectators will witness the power and precision of the Mercedes-AMG GT3, BMW M4 GT3 Evo, Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo, the all-new Lamborghini Temerario GT3, Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo, McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, Ford Mustang GT3 Evo, and the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo. The Lamborghini is a brand-new entry, while the Porsche, Ferrari, and Ford have received substantial updates over the winter break. The Balance of Performance (BoP) system, expertly managed by the SRO Motorsports Group since 2023, continues to ensure fair and competitive racing across all manufacturers.
The Contenders: A Diverse and Exciting Driver Lineup
The 2026 DTM season assembles a dynamic field of 21 drivers representing twelve different countries. Among them are former champions like Marco Wittmann, Thomas Preining, and Mirko Bortolotti, bringing a wealth of experience and championship pedigree. The grid also welcomes promising rookies such as the formidable Emil Frey Ferrari driver Matteo Cairoli, ADAC GT Masters champion Finn Wiebelhaus, and the talented Porsche rising star Bastian Buus. A particular point of interest will be the performance of the Land team, which has transitioned from the Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II to Porsche this year, facing a high benchmark set by the established Manthey squad. Notably, the Audi is the only car from the previous season that will not be featured as a full-time entry in the 2026 championship.
