DTM - Hockenheimring

The Hockenheimring hosts the 2026 DTM season finale in Germany. This race weekend serves as the final round of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters championship. The event features two sprint races that will determine the season champion. The Hockenheimring circuit in Baden-Württemberg provides the setting for this decisive conclusion to the DTM racing calendar.

Race Format and Structure

The 2026 DTM season includes eight race weekends with a total of 16 races across Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria. Each weekend features two separate sprint races. Each race lasts 55 minutes plus one additional lap.

Saturday races require one mandatory pit stop between the 20th and 40th minute. Sunday races require two mandatory pit stops for tire changes. The first pit window opens between the 10th and 25th minute. The second window runs from the 35th to 45th minute.

The points system awards bonus points to the top three qualifiers for the drivers' championship. The distribution follows a 3-2-1 format. Teams compete in the Pit Stop Challenge, earning points for the three fastest mandatory pit stops in each race.

Safety car deployments can extend the race distance by up to two additional laps. ProSieben broadcasts all DTM races live in Germany. The Joyn streaming platform carries all sessions. The DTM YouTube channel streams qualifying sessions, races, and Friday practice sessions live in German and English.

Hockenheimring Circuit Information

The Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg sits in the Rhine valley near Hockenheim, Germany. This historic motor racing circuit has hosted major motorsport events for decades.

Circuit Specifications

The Grand Prix Circuit measures 4.574 kilometers (2.842 miles) in length. The track features 17 turns, with 6 left-hand corners and 11 right-hand corners. Track width varies from a minimum of 12 meters to a maximum of 18 meters. The circuit runs nearly flat with minimal elevation changes.

The venue offers 70,000 spectator seats with a total capacity of 120,000. The FIA has awarded the circuit a Grade 1 license, the highest classification possible. This grade allows the Hockenheimring to host Formula 1 races.

Circuit History

Plans for the Hockenheimring received approval on Christmas Day in 1931. The original track measured 12 kilometers and featured a triangular layout. The circuit has hosted the German Grand Prix intermittently from 1970 to 2019. Grand Prix motorcycle racing has also taken place at this venue.

Significant modifications occurred in 2002. The track was shortened and the former forest sections were removed. These changes improved safety standards and enhanced the spectator experience.

Location and Access

The circuit is located approximately 85 kilometers south of Frankfurt Airport and 120 kilometers south of Stuttgart Airport. The A5 and A6 autobahns provide direct access to the venue. The closest train station operates in Hockenheim town, about 3 kilometers from the circuit entrance.

Teams and Participants for 2026

The 2026 DTM series expects a field of 21 race cars from eight manufacturers. The series features high-performance sports cars from elite brands.

Porsche

Manthey fields Austrian factory driver Thomas Preining, the 2023 DTM champion. Swiss driver Ricardo Feller joins him in the team. Land-Motorsport switches from Audi to Porsche for 2026. Bastian Buus drives for Land-Motorsport.

Mercedes-AMG

Mercedes-AMG Motorsport runs a four-driver lineup. Lucas Auer, Maro Engel, Jules Gounon, and Tom Kalender compete for the team. This lineup secured the manufacturers' championship in the previous season.

Other Manufacturers

Audi continues its participation in DTM with various teams. Lamborghini fields Mirko Bortolotti as a championship contender. Ferrari and McLaren also participate as constructors in the series.

Technical Regulations

The DTM has used modified Group GT3 grand touring cars since 2021. This change replaced the former Class 1 Touring Cars. The series provides a platform for GT3-spec machinery from multiple manufacturers.

Tire Regulations

Pirelli serves as the exclusive tire partner for DTM since 2023. The 2026 season introduces an exclusive DTM special tire. This tire design promotes better lap times and increased tire degradation. The degradation creates more overtaking opportunities during races.

Teams receive four sets of new tires per race weekend at Hockenheimring and other demanding tracks. Other venues provide three sets. A two-pool system operates for race days and testing sessions. Pre-heating tires remains prohibited.

Engine and Fuel

The race cars use engines that run on fuel composed of 50% renewable materials. This specification aligns with environmental sustainability goals in motorsport.

Balance of Performance

The DTM employs a Balance of Performance system developed by SRO for GT3 cars. This system ensures competitive racing and prevents any single car or team from dominating. Additional measurement techniques introduced for 2026 support BoP classification. These techniques compensate for variations in vehicle design and weight distribution.

Vehicle Configuration

DTM cars are race versions of production vehicles. Each car is driven by a single driver. This allows vehicle setups to match individual driver preferences.

DTM Championship History

The DTM has operated for four decades since 1984. The series started as the Deutschen Produktionswagen Meisterschaft (German Production Car Championship). Group A regulations governed the competition, with privateer teams forming the initial grid.

Works teams joined in the late 1980s as popularity grew. Turbochargers were banned in 1990 due to cost concerns. The series became international in 1995 as the International Touring Car Series (ITC). Operations ceased in 1996 due to escalating costs.

The series reformed in 2000 as the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters. V8-engined coupes competed initially. The "M" in the acronym shifted from "Meisterschaft" (championship) to "Masters" to accommodate international races.

The DTM transitioned to FIA GT3 regulations in 2021 following manufacturer withdrawals. This change transformed the series into a sports car racing championship. In December 2022, the ADAC acquired the brand rights to the DTM. The ADAC has organized the series since then, placing it at the top of the ADAC motorsport structure.

Notable DTM Facts

The Hockenheimring has traditionally hosted both the opening and closing events of the DTM season. The circuit is known for its stadium-style atmosphere during races.

Ellen Lohr is the only woman to win a DTM race. She achieved this victory at Hockenheim on May 24, 1992. She holds the record for most DTM starts by a woman with 142 appearances.

Bernd Schneider is considered the most successful DTM driver. He won four drivers' titles between 2000 and 2006. His career includes 46 race wins, 112 podiums, and 40 pole positions.

Fabio Scherer became the first DTM driver to break the 300 km/h barrier in 2020. He reached 302 km/h at Spa-Francorchamps. The series has consistently held races across Europe despite its German base.

ABT Sportsline has participated in DTM since 2000. The team is currently the most successful in the series. ABT has won five drivers' titles, five team titles, and 75 races.

What to Expect at Hockenheimring

The 2026 season finale at Hockenheimring will determine the championship winner. The three-day weekend includes practice sessions, qualifying, and two races. The Saturday race and Sunday race each offer points for the championship standings.

The circuit layout at Hockenheimring challenges drivers with its combination of high-speed sections and technical corners. The track surface and tire degradation characteristics create strategic decisions for teams. Pit stop timing and tire management play crucial roles in race outcomes.

The venue's capacity allows large crowds to witness the championship conclusion. The stadium sections provide excellent viewing opportunities for spectators. The atmosphere builds as the championship battle reaches its final stage in Germany.

The Hockenheimring dtm race showcases GT3 racing at its highest level. Multiple manufacturers compete on equal terms thanks to the Balance of Performance system. The combination of driver skill, team strategy, and technical execution determines success at this venue.