Six drivers remain in contention for the DTM championship title heading into the final race weekend of the season at the Hockenheimring. Porsche factory driver Thomas Preining enters the decisive event with a 23-point lead in the standings, aiming for his second championship, according to a report by n-tv.de.
Title Aspirations for Thomas Preining
Thomas Preining leads the field with 197 points. The Austrian driver’s recent performance has been marked by a streak of six consecutive podium finishes, a series that had not previously occurred in the DTM’s GT3 era. During the previous three race weekends, Preining secured 127 points, allowing him to overtake the competition at the Sachsenring. Despite his current advantage, Preining acknowledged the volatility of the standings, noting that he has previously recovered from significant deficits himself. Having already secured three career DTM victories at the Hockenheimring, Preining enters the finale with what he describes as a positive outlook.
Challenges from Maro Engel and Marco Wittmann
Maro Engel, a Mercedes-AMG driver, sits in second place with 174 points. After leading the championship for much of the season, Engel lost the top spot at the Sachsenring. The 41-year-old is competing in his tenth DTM season and is currently in his third year of fighting for the title during the final weekend. Marco Wittmann follows closely in third place with 173 points. The two-time champion has surged in the second half of the season, recording victories at the Nürburgring and the Sachsenring. Wittmann has achieved four career wins at the Hockenheimring, including his first DTM victory in 2014, the same year he claimed his inaugural title.
Standing of the Remaining Contenders
Beyond the top three, three additional drivers hold mathematical chances of securing the championship, though their paths are more complex. Lucas Auer currently holds fourth place with 152 points, trailing Preining by 45 points. Ferrari driver Matteo Cairoli follows in fifth with 150 points, distinguishing himself as the only driver this season to win three individual races. Nicki Thiim rounds out the group of title contenders in sixth place with 147 points, 50 points behind the leader. These three drivers must secure high finishes at Hockenheim while relying on potential errors or retirements from the leading trio to bridge the points gap.
Championship Standings Before Hockenheim
The following table outlines the current standings for the top six contenders heading into the final two races of the season, where a maximum of 56 points remains available:
| Position | Driver | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thomas Preining | 197 |
| 2 | Maro Engel | 174 |
| 3 | Marco Wittmann | 173 |
| 4 | Lucas Auer | 152 |
| 5 | Matteo Cairoli | 150 |
| 6 | Nicki Thiim | 147 |
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Finale
How many points are available at the Hockenheimring?
Drivers can earn a maximum of 56 points over the course of the final race weekend. This total accounts for the points awarded in the two remaining championship rounds.
What is the criteria for the remaining contenders to win the title?
Drivers currently outside the top three, such as Lucas Auer, Matteo Cairoli, and Nicki Thiim, require strong race results while simultaneously depending on the leading drivers to suffer poor finishes or non-scoring events to close the significant points gap.
How significant is the Hockenheimring for the top contenders?
The track has historically favored several title hopefuls. Thomas Preining has won three times at the circuit, while Marco Wittmann has claimed four victories there, including his first career DTM win.