DTM Hockenheim: Auer wins, Preining keeps 20-point lead
The newsroomUpdated on October 10, 20264 minDTM finale race 1 at Hockenheim: Lucas Auer wins, Engstler crashes out and Thomas Preining leads by 20 points ahead of Sunday's title-deciding race 2.
Key point
Lucas Auer won race 1 of the DTM finale at Hockenheim, but Thomas Preining (209 points) stays on top, 20 points ahead of Marco Wittmann before Sunday's race 2.
Lucas Auer (Landgraf-Mercedes) won race 1 of the 2026 DTM finale at the Hockenheimring on Saturday 10 October. But the Mercedes victory does not change the essentials: Thomas Preining (Manthey-Porsche) remains the championship leader and the decision is postponed to Sunday's race 2.
A podium reshuffled after the race
Auer finished ahead of Mirko Bortolotti (Grasser-Lamborghini). Marco Wittmann (Schubert-BMW) took third after a position swap: Maro Engel (Winward-Mercedes) had passed him late on by forcing him off the track in front of the Mercedes grandstand, and race control ordered the two drivers to swap places. Engel finished fourth. Preining took fifth after dropping to 13th following an excursion onto the grass at the Parabolika.
Engel also lost time when his right-rear wheel jammed in the pit box, leaving him stationary for more than 16 seconds.
Engstler's crash and the red flag
Luca Engstler (Abt-Lamborghini), on pole for the first time in his career, led until lap two. He then made contact with Auer in a fast corner and hit the wall backwards. According to Motorsport-Magazin, his speed was 210 km/h at the moment of contact and still 190 km/h during the spin. The race was red-flagged, with a 14-minute pause to repair the track. The stewards imposed no penalty.
Engstler was not seriously injured: he was checked at the medical centre and released quickly. His car, however, is wrecked (chassis, gearbox and part of the engine) and he will not start on Sunday. His season is over, and team-mate Marco Mapelli will be alone for Abt Sportsline.
The standings before race 2
- Thomas Preining: 209 points
- Marco Wittmann: 189 points (20 behind)
- Maro Engel: 187 points (22 behind)
Auer, the winner of the day, is out of title contention. In the teams' standings, Manthey EMA leads with 293 points, ahead of Winward Racing (284) and Schubert Motorsport (275). Race 2 starts on Sunday at 16:30 German time with 28 points at stake: Preining can be crowned with a good result, while Wittmann and Engel need to take points back from him.
Frequently asked questions
Who won race 1 of the DTM finale at Hockenheim?
Lucas Auer (Landgraf-Mercedes) won ahead of Mirko Bortolotti (Grasser-Lamborghini) and Marco Wittmann (Schubert-BMW), after race control ordered a position swap.
Is Thomas Preining already DTM champion?
No. He leads with 209 points, 20 ahead of Wittmann and 22 ahead of Engel. 28 points remain in Sunday's race 2.
Will Luca Engstler start race 2?
No. He was not seriously hurt, but his car is beyond repair and he will not start on Sunday. Only twenty cars will be on the grid.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — Hockenheim race 1: Auer wins and Engstler crashes
- Motorsport-Magazin — Title decision postponed, Auer wins after red flag
- Motorsport.com (DE) — Hockenheim race 1
- Motorsport-Magazin — Engstler misses Sunday's race
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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