Hockenheimring

The Hockenheimring hosts the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season finale in 2026. This German circuit presents two championship races that will determine the final standings of the DTM season. The venue attracts thousands of motorsports fans who come to witness high-speed GT3 racing at one of Germany's most recognized circuits.

About DTM at Hockenheimring

The 2026 DTM championship features eight race weekends across Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria. Hockenheimring serves as the concluding event, hosting two main races over the weekend. The Saturday race begins in the afternoon, while Sunday's race starts later in the day. Each race runs for 55 minutes plus one lap, with race directors holding the option to extend the duration by up to three laps under certain conditions.

Fans can purchase tickets and VIP packages through online channels. The venue accommodates up to 70,000 spectators and offers excellent viewing opportunities throughout the circuit.

Hockenheimring Circuit Information

Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg sits in the Rhine valley near the town of Hockenheim in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The circuit measures 4.574 kilometers (2.842 miles) in its current Grand Prix configuration, which has been in use since 2002. The track features 17 turns and maintains a predominantly flat layout.

The circuit combines high-speed straights with heavy braking zones, creating multiple overtaking opportunities. The "Motodrom" stadium section provides spectators with an amphitheater-style viewing experience. This section allows fans to observe multiple corners and racing lines from a single vantage point. The circuit holds an FIA Grade 1 license, qualifying it for the highest level of motorsport competition.

2026 DTM Participants

The 2026 DTM season fields 21 cars from 11 teams, representing eight different manufacturers. The championship operates as a fully professional series with no amateur drivers participating.

Manufacturer Lineup

Aston Martin enters the championship through Comtoyou Racing, fielding drivers Nicki Thiim and Nicolas Baert. BMW competes with Schubert Motorsport, running Kelvin van der Linde alongside two-time champion Marco Wittmann.

Emil Frey Racing represents Ferrari with drivers Matteo Cairoli and Thierry Vermeulen. Ford participates through HRT Ford Racing, fielding Arjun Maini and rookie Finn Wiebelhaus in the new Mustang GT3 Evo.

Lamborghini fields two teams: Red Bull Team Abt and TGI Team by GRT. Their driver roster includes Marco Mapelli, Luca Engstler, Mirko Bortolotti, and Maximilian Paul, all racing the new Lamborghini Temerario GT3.

McLaren competes with Dörr Motorsport, running Timo Glock and Ben Dörr. Mercedes-AMG enters two teams: Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf and Winward Racing. Their drivers include Lucas Auer, Tom Kalender, Maro Engel, and Jules Gounon.

Porsche participates through Manthey Racing with Thomas Preining and Ricardo Feller, plus Land-Motorsport running rookie Bastian Buus in the new Porsche 911 GT3 R (992.2).

Technical Regulations

The 2026 DTM season marks the sixth year of competition under Group GT3 regulations and the fourth under ADAC promotion. The series uses FIA-homologated GT3 cars, which are modified production road models. All teams compete on Pirelli tires.

The 2026 season introduces a new two-pool tire distribution system. For demanding circuits like Hockenheimring, teams receive four sets of new tires. Other circuits receive three sets. The "Rene Rast Rule" prevents teams from reintroducing discarded tires into the pool, promoting fairer competition.

Balance of Performance (BOP) adjustments occur throughout race weekends. SRO and ADAC make these modifications to equalize performance through changes to car weight, engine power, or wing angles.

Circuit History

Hockenheimring opened in 1932 as the "Dreieckskurs" (triangle course). The circuit underwent major redesign in 1938, becoming the "Kurpfalzring" with the addition of the famous Ostkurve, creating an oval shape. Between 1965 and 1966, construction of the Autobahn A6 necessitated further significant changes, leading to the creation of the "Motodrom" stadium section.

DTM has raced at Hockenheimring since the championship's resumption in 2000. The circuit traditionally hosts the season finale and holds a prominent position in German touring car racing history.

Championship Context

The 2026 DTM season represents the fortieth overall season of the championship and the twenty-seventh since it adopted the "Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters" name in 2000. The series showcases GT3 racing at the highest professional level in Germany and surrounding countries.

The Hockenheimring's layout combines technical challenges with opportunities for close racing. The circuit's high-speed sections test car performance, while the braking zones and stadium section create opportunities for position changes. The venue's location in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, places it within a region known for automotive engineering and motorsport culture.