DTM champion Güven: “I get goosebumps every time I watch the final lap”

• Porsche driver discusses his title win and the deciding manoeuvre
• Güven reveals what he finds so special about his five victories in the 2025 season

Munich. A truly dramatic DTM finale with a brilliant final-lap showdown - Ayhancan Güven was crowned DTM champion in spectacular fashion in Hockenheim. The Porsche driver from the Manthey EMA team not only made history as the first Turkish racer ever to win the prestigious title, but also impressed with his utter determination under extreme pressure. In an interview, Güven looks back at those emotional days, discusses the role of his family, and reveals where the trophy is now.

A few days down the line, how does it feel to be the DTM champion?
It still feels unbelievable! When I started out in motorsport 20 years ago, I did not really believe that I would one day become a professional racing driver. After putting in so much hard work for so long, challenging for the DTM title was something I had dreamed of for a long time. And then it all came down to the final lap - I will always remember those moments at the finale.

How often have you rewatched the final lap and that deciding manoeuvre against Marco Wittmann?
I have seen it countless times, and I get goosebumps every time. At first, it looks like an extremely risky overtaking manoeuvre and you don't initially believe that it is going to come off. Perhaps that is what makes it such a special moment. Right from the word go, I did not want it to come down to maths - I really wanted to win the race.

What role did the fans play in winning the DTM title?
I am super proud of my community. No matter what happens, the fans are always behind me and some of them have been supporting me for many years. As such, this year was not only special for me, but also for my supporters. Winning the title has obviously also earned me many new fans. It is just awesome to see how this community is growing day by day. That means an awful lot to me. There is an especially strong motorsport culture developing in Turkey. I am proud to be a part of that.

Immediately after the race, you gave your father a big hug. What role does your family play in your career?
My whole family played their part in this success. My dad has always believed in me from day one. He has invested an incredible amount of time and commitment to support me on my journey. To experience such special moments as winning the DTM title together is absolutely priceless.

Nobody else has won five races in one season in the GT3 era of the DTM. How did you achieve that remarkable record?
We had an extremely strong overall package this year. Five wins speak for themselves. What I find particularly impressive is the fact that none of those wins came from pole position. That shows how good we were in the races - not just on the track, but also during the pit stops and strategically. I am very grateful to the whole team at Manthey EMA for that.

Where have you put the DTM trophy?
At the moment, the trophy is stood in a really unspectacular place in my apartment. However, I am still looking for the perfect place. It is definitely the coolest trophy I have ever won.