8 December 2025 | DTM
Güven opts for WEC and Le Mans
It's official: Ayhancan Güven will not defend his DTM title in 2026. In a post on Instagram, the champion announced that he will not be driving in the DTM next year and will instead compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship. This will also mark his debut at Le Mans.
Güven, who was recently appointed factory driver by Porsche, will race for Manthey in the LMGT3 class. He will lead the driver trio in the second Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo; the team is expected to announce the names of his teammates in mid-December.
Reason for the choice and consequences for DTM
Manthey said he would have liked to continue with Güven in the DTM, but that the driver and Porsche have opted for the WEC programme. This decision is in line with Güven's plans to focus on the transition to Formula E at the end of 2026. The 2026 season will be a transitional year for him to prepare for that step.
There are several practical reasons for this. Güven still has little formula experience, although he did drive an impressive rookie test for Formula E in Berlin. In addition, he needs FIA licence points for a Formula E licence. There are more points to be earned in the LMGT3 class of the WEC than in the DTM, which makes the choice logical. He can also gain experience in long-distance racing in the WEC, and he will probably remain involved in classics such as the 24-Stunden-Rennen at the Nürburgring.
Rumour has it that the Porsche organisation helped drive this shift, partly to prepare Güven optimally for the electric class. Manthey confirmed that they are delighted with his arrival at the WEC and that they want to take the next step together.
For the DTM, Güvens' departure means that Manthey is looking for a replacement. Ricardo Feller is expected to take his place.
Looking back on Güven's DTM career
Güven looks back on his time in the DTM with mixed feelings. He made his debut in 2022 at the Norisring, where he replaced Nick Cassidy at AF Corse through the Red Bull connection and immediately impressed with a third place on the grid. That opportunity led to a permanent spot and ultimately to three strong years culminating in the championship.
He describes his departure as not an easy decision, but also reflects on what he has achieved: from substitute driver to DTM champion and now a step closer to an international endurance racing career and Formula E.
- Güven will not defend his DTM title in 2026
- He will be competing in the FIA WEC, LMGT3 class, in 2026.
- Le Mans debut is on the agenda
- Manthey to announce teammates in mid-December
- Considerations: Formula E preparation, FIA licence points, more WEC points
- Likely successor at Manthey in DTM: Ricardo Feller
6 December 2025 | DTM
Test at Le Castellet
The first test with the Pirelli tyres specially developed for DTM did not go as planned. During the two-day test on 26 and 27 November in Le Castellet, seven manufacturers tried out two prototype tyres. This quickly caused considerable unrest among the teams.
The core of the problem was severe wear and tear and so-called graining. Mercedes-AMG drivers had to abort their long runs after about eight laps because the tyres became unusable. Other brands, including the Emil Frey Ferrari team, saw the same trend.
Some cars saw their lap times drop significantly in short bursts: one Ferrari lost up to eight seconds in nine laps on one run, while another run showed a loss of four seconds in ten laps. On some tyres, the surface cracked due to overheating.
1 December 2025 | DTM
Porsche confirms plan for Ayhancan Güven
Porsche has officially announced that Ayhancan Güven will be joining the Formula E works programme. During the Night of Champions in Weissach, the brand explained that Güven will be prepared for the switch to Formula E following his promotion to works driver. Porsche speaks of a clear plan and vision to have him drive in the electric series in the long term.
Güven impressed last season as DTM champion and was subsequently given a rookie test in a Formula E car on 14 July 2025 in Berlin. Without any previous significant experience in formula cars, he delivered a remarkable performance and drove at speeds that were easily comparable to drivers from formula classes.
Why 2026 will be a transitional year
It seems almost certain that Güven will not defend his DTM title in 2026. Porsche wants to prepare him for the Gen4 period of Formula E and has targeted an entry in 2027, but there are indications that he could already be involved at the end of 2026 when Porsche fields a second works team.
In order to be well prepared technically and in terms of regulations, Porsche is planning a gap year for Güven in the Langstrecken-WM (WEC). This decision was partly prompted by the cancellation of the Iron Dames project following financial problems at DC Racing. Manthey is therefore using the car that has become available and is still looking for drivers, which means that a seat is available for Güven in the LMGT3 class.
For Güven, a year in the WEC makes sense: it provides racing experience, ties in with Porsche's preparation programme and helps him collect the necessary FIA licence points for Formula E.
- Preparation: Porsche intends to train Güven and prepare him for Formula E (Gen4 period).
- Transition: 2026 appears to be a transitional year with participation in the WEC alongside Formula E preparations.
- Seat: Manthey utilises an additional Porsche due to the withdrawal of Iron Dames (DC Racing).
FIA licence points and the path to Formula E
An important reason for the WEC year is the FIA's requirement for access to Formula E. The E-licence requires 15 licence points within three years, plus at least 100 kilometres driven during an official training session or test in a current Formula E vehicle. The DTM championship earned Güven six points last season; an LMGT3 title would earn him 12 points and second place 10 points. Güven is therefore facing a crucial season in order to collect enough points.
Furthermore, Güven does not have a traditional formula background. After karting, he took a five-year career break and later worked his way up through the Porsche classes. This makes his rapid adaptation during the Formula E rookie test all the more remarkable and explains why Porsche is willing to follow a different, planned trajectory.
In practical terms, this means that Güven will have a transitional year in which experience, licence requirements and Porsche's timing for the Gen4 period come together. Whether and when exactly the step to the full Formula E programme will follow depends on those steps and on developments within Porsche.
29 November 2025 | DTM
Manthey limits entry: two 911 GT3 Rs in 2026
Manthey will no longer be competing in the DTM with three cars in 2026, as it did in 2025. During the WEC season finale in Bahrain, chief mechanic Patrick Arkenau made it clear that the team will be entering two 911 GT3 Rs with the new Evo package. This is a clear reduction in the programme.
Manthey remains a Porsche customer team. This means that the team can express preferences, but Porsche ultimately decides which drivers are assigned. Arkenau was positive about the calibre of the line-up: he expects the combination to be at least as strong as in previous years.
Who will be driving in 2026? Preining close, Feller a contender
Thomas Preining seems certain of his place at Manthey in 2026. The Austrian is considered one of the best DTM drivers and remains a fixture in the Porsche programme. Preining is also being mentioned for endurance races in IMSA, but for now, his DTM spot at Manthey seems likely.
Ricardo Feller is the most likely candidate to join Preining as a teammate. Feller, a 25-year-old Porsche driver, recently drove for Manthey during the Pirelli test at Le Castellet, with Preining as the other driver on Thursday. According to a Manthey spokesperson, both drivers were assigned by Porsche for that test, and the final DTM line-up for 2026 has not yet been officially confirmed.
- Manthey registers two 911 GT3 R Evo cars for 2026.
- Thomas Preining appears to be continuing to drive for Manthey.
- Ricardo Feller tested for Manthey and is mentioned as a possible teammate.
- The final driver line-up will be determined by Porsche.
Güven heading in other directions; Land team and the cost of the Evo
Champion Ayhancan Güven is absent from the Pirelli test in Le Castellet and has not yet confirmed whether he will defend his DTM title. According to information from racing circles, Porsche has other plans for Güven. He impressed during the Formula E rookie test and is already being mentioned as a candidate there. Porsche has also announced a second factory team for Formula E for 2026/2027, which will create opportunities for young talent.
For Güven, this could mean that the year following his DTM title will mainly be devoted to preparing for Formula E, especially since he has little experience in formula racing. That would explain why he was not present at Le Castellet.
In addition, there is uncertainty surrounding the Land team, which recently switched from Audi to Porsche. Team boss Christian Land says he is working hard on the programme for 2026, but the cost of the 911 GT3 R Evo is a major factor. The Evo is more expensive to purchase and operate than the Audi, which makes the financing of the project uncertain. Whether the team can continue after its debut year with Feller and the new car therefore depends mainly on the budget.
In summary: Manthey is scaling back its DTM programme and has already tested potential drivers, but Porsche remains in control. The final driver line-up and the full field of participants for 2026 will only be announced once Porsche has made its choices.
29 November 2025 | DTM
Who conducted the testing and why?
A two-day Pirelli test took place in Le Castellet on Wednesday and Thursday. Manufacturers were invited to send one car and a maximum of two drivers. The aim was to evaluate early versions of the exclusive DTM tyre for 2026.
Almost all brands in the DTM participated, with the exception of Ford and Audi. Ford indicated that the Evo package for the Mustang is not yet available and that the learning curve would be limited. Audi is not expected to be active in the DTM anymore due to the brand switch to Porsche.
Which drivers were there?
Some teams kept their choice secret. Mercedes-AMG and Comtoyou did not want to reveal too much. Mercedes customer sports boss Stefan Wendl made it clear that it concerns two drivers from this season, without necessarily saying anything about 2026.
According to reliable information, the following combinations were present:
- Mercedes-AMG: Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer
- Comtoyou Aston Martin: Nicki Thiim (day 1) and Nicolas Baert (day 2)
- Manthey Porsche: Ricardo Feller and Thomas Preining
- BMW Schubert: Marco Wittmann (both days)
- Emil-Frey Ferrari: Thierry Vermeulen (day 1), Matteo Cairoli (day 2)
- Dörr McLaren: Timo Glock and Ben Dörr
- Lamborghini: Marco Mapelli (day 1) and Mirko Bortolotti (day 2) with a Huracan GT3 Evo2
Cairoli's appearance at Emil Frey is seen as a strong indication that he could replace Jack Aitken for 2026. At Lamborghini, Mapelli and Bortolotti tested a Huracan GT3 Evo2 because the new Temerario GT3 prototype is still racing in the US.
What technical insights did the test provide?
ADAC commissioned SRO to draw up a special Balance of Performance (BoP) for the test. In addition to the current PZero DHG, Pirelli also supplied two softer test compounds, designated “Option 1” and “Option 2”. The drivers had to complete qualifying and race simulations with fixed lap counts and then provide detailed feedback.
Key findings:
- The test tyres were approximately one second faster per lap than the PZero DHG in qualifying.
- The new compounds showed much more degradation and, in particular, massive graining in various vehicle concepts.
- One of the two new compounds lost a significant amount of performance after less than ten laps.
Due to graining and low temperatures (asphalt temperature below 20 °C), the outer tyre was severely damaged in the 180-degree Beausset curve. As a result, the circuit was modified for Thursday: turn eleven was no longer driven.
Impact on performance and BoP
The new tyres seemed to change the balance of power. In the McLaren, Timo Glock was about half a second faster than his competitors on Wednesday, which even led to a BoP adjustment during the test. On Thursday, Ben Dörr was again almost a second ahead, reinforcing the impression of McLaren dominance.
Pirelli will now thoroughly analyse the test data and determine how the further development of the DTM tyre will proceed. Whether there will be additional tests is still unclear but certainly possible.
Key points
- Test location: Le Castellet, two days of testing with early prototype tyres.
- Participants: virtually all DTM manufacturers, except Ford and Audi.
- Noteworthy: strong graining, layout change at Beausset and clear differences between test mixtures.
- Signal: new tyres could significantly shake up the performance field.
27 November 2025 | DTM
Pirelli test at Le Castellet
Nicki Thiim was recently spotted at the Pirelli test in Le Castellet, where the Comtoyou team was present with an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo. Pirelli will release a special DTM tyre in 2026 and is testing various prototypes in southern France to see how they work with GT3 cars.
This is a pure DTM test. Comtoyou is participating on behalf of Aston Martin Racing alongside other factory teams. The team did not want to officially reveal who was behind the wheel, but Thiim himself posted a photo of the Vantage on Instagram and reported that he was first in Monaco and later in Le Castellet.
Signs that it is time to switch
The fact that Thiim drives for Comtoyou is strong circumstantial evidence, but not conclusive proof, that he will be racing for Aston Martin in the DTM in 2026. However, there are several signs that point in that direction.
According to information circulating among insiders, Aston Martin does not want Thiim to continue racing for other brands in the DTM. In 2024 and 2025, he drove for the Lamborghini teams SSR Performance and Abt with his manufacturer's permission. That permission may be withdrawn next year.
Thiim is 36 and has won the GTE class at Le Mans, achieved success in the WEC and major endurance races at the Nürburgring and Spa, among other things. The only thing missing from his list of achievements is the DTM title. This seems to be a major motivation for him to go all out for a comeback in the series.
Comtoyou and the role of Aston Martin
Comtoyou made its DTM debut in 2025 and showed positive signs at the season finale in Hockenheim, including pole position for Gilles Magnus. Team boss Francois Verbist remained tight-lipped about test data and drivers, stating that the information was confidential.
The team hopes for more support from the factory team in 2026. Verbist has already indicated that it would be desirable to have two cars at the start in order to better develop strategies and learn more. If Aston Martin offers more operational support, the arrival of a factory driver seems likely — and Nicki Thiim knows the DTM like no other within the Aston framework.
- Why Thiim is a logical candidate: experience with GT3, DTM knowledge and hunger for the title.
- Why Comtoyou insists: more learning points with two cars and better factory support.
- Uncertainties: official confirmation is lacking and Aston Martin may adjust its driver policy.
Now what?
The coming weeks and months will make it clearer whether Thiim will actually be part of the Aston Martin programme in 2026. For now, there are strong indications: his presence at the Pirelli test, the possible expiry of releases by Aston Martin and Comtoyou's desire for more factory support.
For Thiim, a move to Comtoyou could be the final piece of the puzzle in his quest for that coveted DTM title. For Comtoyou, an experienced factory driver would bring extra knowledge and credibility. Official confirmations are still pending, but the lines to Aston Martin seem clearly drawn.
Nov 18, 2025 | DTM
New, cheaper seats
The ADAC has released the tickets for the 2026 DTM season at the Norisring. For the classic event at Germany's only street circuit, the organisers are introducing an additional, low-cost seating category. This should make permanent seats affordable for more fans.
The new, cheaper reservations apply to the Thomas-Sommer-Tribüne, the Speck-Pumpen-Tribüne and the Boxengassentribüne. Tickets for those stands are available from €94. For the Steintribüne with a direct view of the start/finish line and pitlane, prices start at €74.
Moreover, children and young people up to 16 years old can enter for free if they have an adult accompanying them. The same applies to admission to the Steintribüne. Tickets are on sale via dtm.com.
Practical info and fringe programme
All tickets give access to the paddock, including autograph sessions and a pit walk. The ADAC stresses that visitors can also use the Verkehrsverbund Großraum Nürnberg (VGN) transport network free of charge. This allows fans to travel to the event easily and sustainably by public transport.
ADAC members receive a 10 per cent discount on their tickets at all DTM events. The 83rd edition of the ADAC-Norisring International Speedweekend is scheduled for 2026.
- New seating category from €94 (Thomas-Sommer-, Speck-Pumpen- and Boxengassentribüne)
- Steintribüne from €74; accompanied children up to 16 years free
- Paddock access, carograms and pitwalk included
- Free use of VGN; 10% discount for ADAC members
- Support races: ADAC GT4 Germany, Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland and BMW M2 Cup
Besides the DTM, ADAC GT4 Germany, Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland and the BMW M2 Cup have already been announced for 2026. The organisers also promise another attractive fringe programme.
Nov 18, 2025 | DTM
IMSA test at Daytona: four new GT3 cars
The official IMSA test at Daytona last weekend brought out four new or heavily modified GT3 cars. These models should also compete in the DTM in 2026. IMSA asked for Balance of Performance (BoP) data, requiring manufacturers to run their new cars and updates publicly. This was necessary in view of the early season start in Daytona.
Lamborghini Temerario: new chapter after a decade
Lamborghini presented a completely new model with the Temerario GT3, replacing the Huracan after a decade. Developed completely under its own management for the first time, the car appeared at the test in the hands of the Pfaff Team. Previous tests had been shielded; Daytona was the first public appearance.
Development driver Andrea Caldarelli praised the car's reliability and operability. No major teething problems turned up at Le Castellet during the ongoing test days. According to Caldarelli, there is a solid foundation under the new design: the turbocharged engine is said to be easier to tune than the previous atmospheric engine, and the car demands slightly different, less physically taxing steering behaviour.
Test programmes continue: sessions are scheduled in Sebring. The Temerario's race premiere is scheduled for March, but at the Daytona 24-hour classic, Lamborghini will continue to drive the Huracan for now.
Other updates: Ford, Ferrari and Porsche
Besides Lamborghini, three vehicles with new Evo packages came into action: the Ford Mustang GT3 update, the Ferrari 296 GT3 and the Porsche 911 GT3 R. These updates are meant to fine-tune the cars before the FIA homologation is finally frozen.
About the Mustang, factory driver Mike Rockenfeller said the update is not yet final: there is no final homologation yet and they are still testing minor adjustments. He notices improvement in the brakes, but also signals slightly more air resistance. The effectiveness of the changes cannot yet be definitively judged.
- Four new/modified GT3 cars at IMSA test at Daytona
- Lamborghini Temerario replaces Huracan and is turbocharged
- Pfaff-Team tested the new Lamborghini in IMSA
- Ford Mustang GT3 update not yet final; brakes improved but more drag
- Ferrari 296 GT3 and Porsche 911 GT3 R appeared with Evo packages
All the brands involved are in a crucial development phase. FIA homologation is approaching, after which configurations will be frozen. That will make the upcoming tests decisive for how the cars perform in the DTM next season.
Nov 14, 2025 | DTM
Why HWA's departure is so big
After decades of cooperation, Mercedes-AMG will stop working with HWA at the end of November. HWA had been a regular partner for the GT3 programme since 2010 and looked after large parts of customer racing, in addition to other racing activities outside Formula 1 and Formula E. The departure leaves a significant gap: parts, overhauls and support for hundreds of racing machines have to be taken over.
Mercedes-AMG has been building up its own Affalterbach Racing GmbH as a 100% subsidiary since 2024. That new organisation should not only take over after-sales and revisions from 2026, but also take care of the development and construction of Mercedes-AMG's new GT3 model. That is a hefty task, especially now that Michael Schiebe, AMG's chief performance officer, is also leaving the company without a visible successor.
Practical bottlenecks and planning
According to insiders, the transition is not running smoothly. More than 100 people now work at Affalterbach Racing GmbH, plus hired parties. Yet they are said to have initially reckoned with fewer staff. Mercedes-DSport chief Christoph Sagemüller says the build-up is going according to plan and that the team consists mainly of experienced motorsport staff.
Important logistical tasks are still on the agenda. Tens of thousands of parts need to be inventoried and moved. Thomas Jäger, responsible for DTM within Mercedes-AMG, cites numbers of probably 14,000 to 15,000 part numbers. Teams have been informed in advance to secure supplies so that the operation of some 300 AMG customer cars does not grind to a halt.
Facilities are partly temporarily arranged for the time being. Affalterbach Racing officially has about 2,000 m² of workshop space and 600 m² of office space, but much of the work is taking place for the time being in Untertürkheim, about 20 km from Affalterbach. The new parts warehouse is planned in Magstadt (about 25 km from Untertürkheim and 40 km from Affalterbach). According to Jäger, systems should be running smoothly again around the European season start; transitional logistics such as HWA's parts LKWs should help ensure that.
HWA may remain involved
Not everything has been definitively cut off. For engine overhauls, Affalterbach Racing says they will be carried out directly at Mercedes-AMG. For gear overhauls, the new organisation is still looking for an external service provider. HWA is mentioned as a possible partner in this regard, despite the formal end of the partnership.
HWA managing director Martin Marx says his company regrets that customer sports work for AMG is ending. At the same time, HWA is making itself available as a partner and service provider for support work. This leaves the door open for cooperation where it proves useful.
- HWA handled many AMG customer sports activities since 2010.
- Affalterbach Racing GmbH was built up as a 100% subsidiary of Mercedes-AMG from 2024.
- More than 100 employees are now active at the new organisation.
- Around 14,000-15,000 item numbers need to be inventoried and transferred.
- Stock and service locations: provisionally in Untertürkheim; warehouse planned in Magstadt.
The transition is therefore a logistical and organisational challenge, but Mercedes-AMG stresses that the pace and quality of customer support must be maintained. Whether Affalterbach Racing GmbH can live up to that in time remains exciting - with both risks and opportunities for the coming seasons.
Nov 13, 2025 | DTM
What's going on at Mercedes-AMG?
Mercedes-AMG is also on the starting list in the DTM in 2026. Yet it is unclear how many cars the marque will run with. In 2025, Lucas Auer led the championship for a long time. In the end, Auer and Maro Engel finished second and third respectively in the standings.
Sporting director Thomas Jäger said after the season at Hockenheim that Mercedes-AMG needs to regroup first. He expressed his hope that the brand will appear at the start with at least two cars. With that, the focus seems to be on the two Winward-Mercedes for now.
Status of the Landgrave team
The Landgraf team returned to the DTM in 2025 after a year's absence and immediately booked its two AMG victories of the season with Lucas Auer. Yet the team's future has not been definitively decided. According to sources, the Gensingen-based team has a multi-year contract with Mercedes-AMG, but that contract contains an option to be honoured by both parties.
That option does not seem to have been activated yet. Team boss Klaus Landgraf kept quiet shortly after the season, but did not sound disheartened. He praised his team and called its performance impressive. Landgraf said he wanted to spend time with his family, but did not leave the door closed for a continuation in the DTM.
What does this mean for the riders and 2026?
If Landgraf stays, it is obvious that drivers like Lucas Auer, Maro Engel and Jules Gounon will reappear in AMG cars. Junior pilot Tom Kalender also impressed at the season finale in Hockenheim and could support a place.
Winward is reportedly confirmed for 2026. Should Landgraf stay away, Mercedes-AMG would possibly enter the series with a smaller programme. Which one is eventually chosen depends on contract decisions, budget and Mercedes-AMG's strategic choices.
- Mercedes-AMG wants to run at least two DTM cars in 2026.
- Winward is set for 2026, according to information.
- The Landgraf team has a multi-year contract with a mutual option that has not yet been activated.
- Key drivers include Lucas Auer, Maro Engel, Jules Gounon and Tom Kalender.
- The season finale in Hockenheim played a part in the considerations.
To sum up: Mercedes-AMG will remain in the DTM, but the exact size of the programme for 2026 is not yet certain. A final decision on the Landgrave team is expected in the coming months.
Nov 10, 2025 | DTM
A tough year for Abt and Bortolotti
Mirko Bortolotti looks back on a difficult 2025 DTM season. As defending champion, it did not go as expected. He says Abt probably learned more in that year than ever before, but the results were not positive. Whether that will be enough to return to the front of the field soon, he dare not say. Bortolotti also indicates that he himself is not yet sure whether he will drive for Abt next season. For him, it is mainly up to the team to recover.
Why the backlog grew
Abt's deficit did not arise from one cause. SSR quit as a partner, after which Abt started with a new team. The team had to switch from Audi to Lamborghini and started practically from scratch. There was little time for preparation for the first race weekend. In addition, the testing limitation in the DTM plays a role: with only four to five test days per season, it is difficult to make big strides during the year.
Competitors gained additional knowledge in other championships. Teams that had been using the Lamborghini Huracan for some time drove in the GT World Challenge Europe, among others, where Pirelli's DHG tyre was used and tyres are allowed to be heated. Those extra kilometres gave them an advantage. Abt, on the other hand, was mainly active on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife with Michelin, which provides few direct lessons for many DTM circuits.
Looking ahead to 2026
For 2026, there are reasons for cautious optimism, but also new challenges. Pirelli will then supply a DTM-specific tyre, which may partly take away the testing benefits of GT programmes. Lamborghini is also bringing a new model into the DTM, the Temerario GT3, causing many teams to start development all over again.
Yet uncertainty remains. If the new Lamborghini does not appear on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, Abt could again fall behind teams that do collect a lot of relevant data there. For 2026, the team is also undergoing organisational changes: Thomas Biermaier will take over the leadership, replacing Martin Tomczyk.
- Main causes of 2025: team changes, little preparation and testing restrictions.
- Competitors used GT programmes to collect additional data.
- 2026 offers new opportunities: DTM tyre from Pirelli and the Temerario GT3, but also new uncertainties.
In short: Abt has learned a lot, but whether it will be enough to return soon depends on several factors. For Bortolotti himself, the prospect of a continuation at Abt is not yet clear.
Nov 7, 2025 | DTM
Why Tomczyk is stepping down
Abt moves on after weakest DTM season ever at the team: Martin Tomczyk is no longer in charge of DTM entries. The former Audi team's Lamborghini debut was disappointing. Mirko Bortolotti was the best-placed Abt driver in the championship with place 14.
Tomczyk himself cited private reasons for his withdrawal. After ending his professional career at the end of 2021, he stepped straight into management. That required a lot of time, he says, which meant his family and other private projects got too little attention. He now wants to make more room for that.
Nevertheless, Tomczyk will remain involved for the time being: he will remain in charge of the Abt effort at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring until the end of May. What happens to him after that is not clear; the team does not rule out a complete termination of the collaboration.
What is changing within Abbot
The sports director role will return to Abbott CEO Thomas Biermaier. Biermaier held that position before Tomczyk came in 2023. Incidentally, Tomczyk's contract as sports director officially expired last month, but due to the double pressure in the first half of the season, Abt still asked him to continue supporting until May 2026.
Biermaier is taking up the DTM and 24-hour projects more intensively again. At the same time, he is withdrawing from the day-to-day work around Formula E. Those duties are now channelled through Fred Espinos and the operational management of the Lola-Yamaha-Abt team led by Mark Preston.
Abt says more information on the team line-up and drivers will follow in early 2026, in consultation with Lamborghini. According to noises within the paddock, Mirko Bortolotti seems unlikely to stay with Abt after the disappointing season.
- Reason for Tomczyk's departure: more time for family and private projects.
- Tomczyk will remain in charge of the Nürburgring 24-hour race until the end of May 2026.
- Thomas Biermaier assumes the sports director role again.
- Formula E business now runs centrally through Fred Espinos and Mark Preston.
- More news on drivers and team line-up expected in early 2026.
The team faces a clear restart. How Abt shapes the Lamborghini squad for the next DTM campaign remains one of the big questions in the winter consultations.
Nov 6, 2025 | DTM
Intro
Ford and HRT will bring an Evo version of the Mustang GT3 in 2026. The team aims to use the package to sharpen performance after its debut year. HRT team principal Ulrich Fritz says the team has not yet reached its full potential and hopes the Evo will change that.
What has changed on the front end?
The biggest intervention seems to be concentrated at the front. The Mustang is a front-mid engine with a big V8. As a result, the car appears to generate too little downforce on the front axle. In footage from test days, a small flap is visible in front of each front wheel. Those flaps are meant to create extra downforce.
In previous tests at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, those flaps were already visible. This indicates that Ford and HRT have been working on a solution for some time. Until now, ventilation of the front wheel housing was provided via three louvers on top of the mudguard rim. That setup does not appear to be optimal and is presumably the reason for the update.
In addition, new rims have been developed to extract air from the wheel housing. That negative pressure can provide additional downforce on the front axle. Furthermore, Multimatic engineer Lewis Jones reports that the result of all the modifications amounts to an ‘optimised car’. Ford engineer Alex Allmandinger says data from several years have been compiled into the Evo package.
- New flaps in front of the front wheels for extra downforce
- Modified rims that exhaust air from the wheel housing
- Revision of wheelhouse ventilation instead of just louvers
What does this mean for DTM performance?
The aim of the Evo package is not only more front axle grip, but also less tyre wear. Tyre wear was a major concern with the Mustang. The brakes are also being tinkered with, a weak point according to insiders. If these points improve, lap times and qualifying results should benefit.
In the Ford premiership season, HRT often finished in the rear midfield with Arjun Maini and Fabio Scherer. Qualifiers provided little oomph and that made it difficult to drive to the front. Highlights were two fifth-place finishes by Maini at the Norisring and at Spielberg. In Austria, podium potential seemed present, but a poorly executed pit stop on Saturday and a faulty driveshaft on Sunday removed those chances.
Ford recently published a test video in the US with a grey Mustang Evo. Both Ford and the team are still keeping many details close to the chest, but the visible changes and earlier tests on the Nordschleife show that targeted work is being done to address the Mustang's weaknesses. Whether that leads to the first podium in the DTM in 2026 remains to be seen in practice.
Nov 5, 2025 | DTM
WEC rookie test raises question marks
Jack Aitken has been appointed by WEC for the rookie test at the season finale in Bahrain. He shares that role at Jota-Cadillac with Ricky Taylor. The test is scheduled for Sunday, at the end of the WEC season.
That announcement, along with his previously confirmed continuation with Action Express in IMSA, gives the impression that Aitken may no longer drive full-time in the DTM next season. This season, the 30-year-old Briton made it to the final for the DTM title with the Emil-Frey Ferrari team, but bad luck and mistakes in the closing stages set him back.
Emil-Frey reacts and prepares
Team boss Lorenz Frey-Hilti said he was surprised by the announcement, but also realistic. According to him, the chance of a double programme with Cadillac was always there. Emil-Frey has made it clear to Aitken that the team wants a driver who can fully focus on the DTM. If Aitken does indeed get a combined programme, Emil-Frey will look for a replacement.
Cadillac itself does not need to test Aitken for speed. He has been a work driver for General Motors for many years, driving the LMDh in the IMSA, including Le Mans, since 2023. The rookie test at Jota seems mainly intended to integrate him into the Jota works team, now that Jenson Button announced his retirement and the #38 Cadillac cockpit becomes vacant.
- What the announcement means: chances are Aitken will have a double programme at Cadillac and therefore be less available for DTM.
- Why that could be a problem: Emil-Frey wants a driver who can focus entirely on DTM testing and racing.
- What Cadillac wants: Aitken knows the V-Series.R and the test helps him settle in with the Jota work team.
- What next: Emil-Frey seeks an alternative and clarity is expected in the coming months.
Aitken himself said he would miss the DTM and that he would have preferred a fourth season with Emil-Frey. For now, it seems Aitken's future is heading towards the WEC and the Jota-Cadillac project, but a definitive confirmation is still missing.
Nov 3, 2025 | DTM
McLaren support and targets for 2026
Dörr Motorsport has announced its intention to compete with McLaren in the DTM in 2026. Team boss Rainer Dörr says that in the final year of their three-year programme, the goal is to become and serious title contender. To that end, the team expects more support from Woking than in 2025.
Dörr already received technical help from McLaren in 2025, but the budget was borne entirely by the team. A more intensive collaboration is planned for 2026, possibly with additional engineers, more test miles and wider deployment support.
Riders and expectations
The driver line-up is crucial to those plans. Marvin KirchhF6fer is a possible option, but his factory deal with McLaren expires at the end of the year. Talks on extension are ongoing. According to the latest signals, KirchhF6fer seems to be staying with McLaren for the time being; among other things, he wrote pole for the 24 Stunden von Spa to his name this season.
However, the team has also previously indicated that it wants to continue with Ben DF6rr and Timo Glock. Rainer DF6rr said at the season finale in Hockenheim that they are happy with that driver combination and do not want to make any changes for the time being.
For Ben DF6rr, the outlook is positive. The 20-year-old made a clear leap forward this season. He grabbed his first DTM pole and would have finished second at the Sachsenring without disqualification. Rainer DF6rr expects McLaren to give Ben more chances and allow him to compete in other series as well. A move from junior profile to work driver is not out of the question.
Timo Glock had a difficult comeback. After three years without races, he did not really get going this season and his best result was 11th place. However, according to the team, Glock has the speed and it is mainly a matter of getting used to it; they are counting on a better season start in 2026.
- Goal 2026: compete for the DTM title with more factory support.
- Status KirchhF6fer: contract expires, extension under discussion.
- Ben DF6rr: Clear progression and more commitment expected from McLaren.
- Timo Glock: weaker season, but team counts on recovery after getting used to it.
- 2025: technical support from McLaren, but budget borne by Dörr.
Rainer DF6rr draws a positive conclusion about his team's development: consistent top-10 qualifying, a pole, a podium (which was later disqualified) and fastest lap show progress. Now the question is how much additional support from Woking will become concrete and how that translates into results in 2026.
Nov 2, 2025 | DTM
Test dates and location
The DTM has fixed the official pre-season test for 2026 at the Red-Bull-Ring in Spielberg. The ADAC has booked the circuit from 14 to 16 April, exactly a week before the season opener takes place there (24-26 April).
On Monday 13 April, a separate day is reserved for TV teams and photographers. This should provide content for the 2026 DTM campaign. Since the teams will already be in Spielberg, it makes sense that the first day of testing should start immediately afterwards.
The DTM will share the test days at Red-Bull-Ring with the ADAC GT Masters and GT4 Germany. It is not yet final whether each series will get a full day or whether the three days will be split.
New DTM tyre and testing approach
Important note: in 2026, the DTM will run on a special Pirelli tyre used exclusively in the DTM. Previously, the GT3 cars ran on the PZero DHF (2023-2024) and later on its successor DHG (2025). The ADAC GT Masters will stay with the DHG tyre.
The new tyre is expected to be softer than the DHG. Teams must therefore use the limited testing opportunities smartly to build up experience quickly. This is extra relevant because tyre heating is still not allowed in the DTM, which affects usage and warm-up.
The ADAC wants to centrally organise test planning in 2026. After the 2025 test activities - with an official test at Oschersleben and additional sessions at Lausitzring and Sachsenring - the organisation now wants to coordinate all tests itself. This is likely to make testing cheaper and more uniform for teams.
- Booked test dates Red-Bull-Ring: 14-16 April (content day 13 April)
- New Pirelli tyres: exclusive to DTM in 2026
- Tyre warming remains banned
The central organisation also allows the ADAC to monitor tyre consumption and the number of allocated sets. In addition, they can collect data for the Balance of Performance (BoP) during testing.
Follow-up test sites and rules
There are reports that the ADAC wants to offer test days at several DTM circuits next season. Among others, the following venues are on the list according to those plans:
- Spielberg (Red-Bull-Ring)
- Lausitzring
- Oschersleben
- Nürburgring
- Sachsenring
- Hockenheim
From the beginning of November, tests on DTM circuits will be fully permitted for teams for the time being. The new testing regulations are still being worked out. As the special Pirelli tyre will only be available through the series managers and is not yet readily available, early winter tests may be limited in their useful insights.
In summary, the official DTM test will take place in Spielberg just before the start of the season. With the introduction of a DTM-specific tyre and the centralisation of test planning, the ADAC aims to give more control over costs, tyre consumption and BoP data. For teams, this means that every test day in 2026 will have extra value.
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