Today’s the day when the teams and drivers really get down to business at the Red Bull Ring. Free practice for the 2025 DTM at Spielberg is done and dusted. Twenty-four top drivers, including local favourites led by title contender Lucas Auer (Mercedes-AMG/Team Landgraf), go into the qualifying session for the first of the weekend’s two races. This is what to look out for on DTM Saturday.
DTM Fan Zone and open paddock
The DTM Fan Zone opens at 08:00 – the perfect time to grab a bite to eat before the actual racing starts and to brace yourself for the thrilling action ahead. Your entertainments hub for the next two days is located directly in front of the entrance to the paddock, which is open for you so you can soak up the motorsport atmosphere to the fullest. But now it’s time to head to the race track…
Qualifying
The starting grid for both races in the Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Deutschland has already been determined on Friday. Things get serious in the partner series Prototype Cup Germany and ADAC GT Masters from 08:10 onwards. At 09:10, the DTM stars take to the track and compete for the first championship points of the race weekend. The pole setter scores three points, the runner-up two and the third-placed driver one. After that, the ADAC GT4 Germany holds both qualifying sessions for Saturday and Sunday in quick succession.
Meet the Drivers
We’ve already told you about the DTM Fan Zone. The main attraction of the day here is Meet the Drivers at 10:20. It’s an opportunity to rub shoulders with the star names of the DTM, get their autographs and ask them to pose for selfies. There will also be autograph sessions with the drivers of the ADAC GT4 Germany (12:35) and the Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Germany (14:55). As a die-hard motorsport fan, you will already have a good idea of which talented youngsters are destined for fame and fortune in the future. This is your chance to get their photograph before they make it to the big time.
Race action, Lucas Auer in the title fight, KAMRAD concert and Red Bull Rotorwings
The first race of the weekend (10:45) is a round of the Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Deutschland. This will be followed immediately by the Prototype Cup Germany.
The big moment will arrive at 12:50, when the pit lights turn green for the DTM. While final preparations are being made around the starting grid and the GT3 cars line up in all their glory, German singer-songwriter KAMRAD presented by TGI (13:00) will provide a musical prelude from the podium with a rendition of his greatest hits.
At 13:20, the Red Bull Rotorwings formation team will entertain fans with a breathtaking display in the skies above Spielberg. Ten minutes later (13:30), the race begins. It’s the moment when local fans will be crossing their fingers for Lucas Auer. The Tyrolean will be hoping to build on his championship lead, leave his pursuers behind and take another step towards the DTM title. Thomas Preining (Porsche/Manthey EMA) is also in contention for a top spot in the final standings. If the 2023 DTM champion from Linz manages to pull off a coup, he could still be in with a chance of making a late title challenge.
At 15:05, the ADAC GT Masters contestants will emerge onto the track for the first of two races this weekend, followed by the ADAC GT4 Germany.
The pit walk: Right at the heart of the DTM
The tarmac is still warm, the trophies have been presented to the elated winners, and the pit lane is now open for the spectators. From 17:30 onwards, you have the opportunity to get a close-up look at the world of the DTM during the first pit walk of the race weekend. You might even encounter one or two of the drivers, but either way, you will definitely be able to marvel at the team garages and the magnificent racing cars at close quarters. Enjoy!
Haven’t secured your ticket yet? Then off to the box offices (open from 08:00 am, located in front of the Welcome Center and at the entrance Westschleife).
