DTM - Pre-Season test Red Bull Ring

The DTM 2026 season at Red Bull Ring will not include a separate pre-season test. Instead, the Austrian circuit hosts the official season opener, marking a historic first for the championship. This represents the first time in over 40 years of DTM history that the season begins in Austria. The Red Bull Ring welcomes the opening races of the 2026 championship, bringing world-class GT3 touring car racing to Spielberg, Styria.

Circuit Information

The Red Bull Ring sits in the mountains of Spielberg, Austria, and offers one of motorsport's most scenic settings. The circuit features elevation changes, fast corners, and demanding braking zones. DTM typically uses the Grand Prix circuit layout at this venue. The track configuration challenges drivers with its combination of technical sections and high-speed passages. The backdrop of the Styrian mountains creates a distinctive atmosphere for touring car racing.

Participants and Teams

The 2026 DTM grid brings together drivers from 11 nations representing eight major brands. Three former champions return to compete: Mirko Bortolotti, the 2024 titleholder, Thomas Preining, who won in 2023, and multiple champion Marco Wittmann. The field combines proven champions with fresh talent.

Key Driver Lineups

Mirko Bortolotti joins TGI Team by GRT alongside Maximilian Paul, debuting the new Lamborghini Temerario GT3. Thomas Preining continues with Manthey, driving the new Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo. Marco Wittmann races for Schubert Motorsport in a BMW M3 GT4 Evo, joined by returning driver Kelvin van der Linde in matching machinery.

Ricardo Feller switches to Porsche for 2026, driving for Manthey in the previous season's championship-winning car. Lucas Auer remains with Mercedes-AMG, featuring an Adidas livery, after finishing as vice-champion the previous season. The Austrian driver adds local interest to the Red Bull Ring opener.

Red Bull Team Abt fields a new lineup with Luca Engstler and Lamborghini factory driver Marco Mapelli, both driving new Temerario GT3s. Comtoyou from Belgium enters Frederic Vervisch and Nicolas Baert. Finn Wiebelhaus, the "Road to DTM" winner, makes his series debut. Four drivers in total make their DTM debut in 2026, including Marco Mapelli.

Technical Specifications

DTM competition in 2026 features highly modified GT3-specification machinery from multiple manufacturers. The grid includes Lamborghini Temerario GT3, Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo, BMW M3 GT4 Evo, and Audi R8 LMS GT3 evo II models. Technical regulations create a level playing field among different manufacturers. The cars utilize powerful engines, advanced aerodynamics, and high-performance braking systems. These regulations promote close racing between diverse manufacturer entries.

Historic Significance

The Red Bull Ring has featured on the DTM calendar for several years, but 2026 brings a historic change. This marks the first time the season opens in Austria across the championship's four-decade history. The venue breaks from traditional season-opening locations, establishing a new chapter for DTM. The Red Bull Ring also hosts Formula 1 racing later in the season, confirming its status as a major motorsport venue.

What to Expect

The season opener at Red Bull Ring presents close competition among eight brands and drivers from 11 nations. The mix of former champions, experienced competitors, and debuts creates an interesting dynamic. The circuit layout suits the GT3 touring cars, with opportunities for overtaking and strategic racing. Austrian drivers Lucas Auer and Thomas Preining add home interest to the event. The new Lamborghini Temerario GT3 makes its competitive debut, alongside updated Porsche and BMW models. The races promise competitive action as teams and drivers begin their championship campaigns on equal footing.