From today, things are getting serious again! The practice sessions for the 2026 DTM season opener at Spielberg are done. 21 top drivers, including local stars Lucas Auer (No. 22/Mercedes-AMG/Team Landgraf) and Thomas Preining (No. 91/Porsche/Team Manthey), are fired up for the first timed session – aka qualifying – for the weekend’s opening race. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss on DTM Saturday.
Haven’t secured your ticket yet? Then off to the box offices (open from 08:00 a.m., located in front of the Welcome Center and at the entrance Westschleife).
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 behind the Driving Center and in close proximity 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
In the FIA Formula Regional European Championship and the Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Deutschland, the starting grids for the first races were already determined on Friday. Things get serious in the partner series ADAC GT Masters and ADAC GT4 Germany from 08:15 onwards. At 09:40, 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 FIA Formula Regional European Championship and the Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Deutschland will contest their first races.
The pit walk: Right at the heart of the DTM
The tarmac is still warm from the Qualifying as the pit lane opens for the spectators. From 12:05 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!
DTM Race Action No. 1
At 12:50, the time has come: the pit light for the DTM turns green. Final preparations are made around the grid, and the impressive GT3 cars are on full display. At exactly 13:30, it’s time to keep your fingers crossed at the home race: Tyrolean Lucas Auer and Upper Austrian Thomas Preining have a great chance to score strong points right from the start and set the tone for a successful DTM season. From 15:10 onwards, the cars of the ADAC GT Masters take to the track, followed by further races from the FIA Formula Regional European Championship and ADAC GT4 Germany.
Tip: At 13:05, look up to the sky – there will be breathtaking aerobatic displays by the Red Bull Rotorwings to admire.
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 16:15. 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 (12:45) 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.
