Manthey scales back DTM programme

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.