DTM round two: Horsepower festival at the Dekra Lausitzring

• Powerful programme: DTM, ADAC GT Masters, Prototype Cup and racing trucks
• Focus on round one winner Auer and defending champion Bortolotti
• Local favourite Paul: "Special to race in the DTM so close to home"

Munich. Full programme, full power: This weekend (23rd to 25th May), the DTM visits the Dekra Lausitzring, where the spectacular show includes the opening round of this season's ADAC GT Masters and the Prototype Cup Germany. In the DTM, South African Jordan Pepper (TGI Team Lamborghini by GRT) is the man to catch at the top of the table. Porsche driver Ayhancan Güven (TR) and Lucas Auer (A) in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 also travel to Lusatia with plenty of momentum, having each claimed a race win at the season opener. Fans can also look forward to some XXL racing, as the European Truck Racing Championship features at a DTM weekend for the first time. The two DTM races can be viewed on TV on ProSieben and will also be streamed live on Joyn. Saturday's race starts an hour earlier than usual at 12:30, while the Sunday race gets underway at the usual time of 13:30.

Key facts, Dekra Lausitzring, Schipkau, races 3 and 4 of 16

• Circuit length: 3,478 metres
• Layout: Twelve turns (five right, seven left), driven anti-clockwise
• 2024 winner, race 1: Kelvin van der Linde (Abt Sportsline, Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo2)
• 2024 winner, race 2: Thomas Preining (Manthey EMA, Porsche 911 GT3 R)

Auer and Güven in pursuit of championship leader Pepper
The curtain-raiser to the 2025 season in Oschersleben immediately showed how exciting and competitive this year's DTM is going to be: Güven claimed his maiden victory, while Pepper moved to the top of the table for the first time. Both are looking to back up their impressive starts to the season in Lusatia. Hour also goes into the second race weekend with plenty of ambition. The Austrian took his tenth victory in Oschersleben roughly three weeks ago, and has fond memories of the racetrack in Lusatia, which is the scene of one of the highlights of his career. "I won my first DTM race at the Lausitzring in 2016 - that was something of a breakthrough for me. The track is technically demanding, but also really cool to drive on," says the 30-year-old.

Defending champion Mirko Bortolotti (I) endured a disappointing start to the season. The Italian from Abt Sportsline did finish in the points, with two ninth places, but had higher expectations in the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2. In the run-up to round two, he clocked the fastest time of the DTM test at the Lausitzring - a clear statement that he is still a force to be reckoned with. Another expected to challenge at the front of the field is Ferrari driver Jack Aitken (GB) from Emil Frey Racing. The Brit, who has Formula 1 experience, celebrated his first DTM victory at the racetrack in Brandenburg in 2023, and still holds the lap record to this day. René Rast's illustrious career already includes three wins at the Lausitzring. The three-time champion now has his sights set on more success with Schubert Motorsport and the new BMW M4 GT3 Evo this weekend at the racetrack to the north of Dresden.

Excitement for local favourite
A DTM weekend in front of a home crowd awaits Maximilian Paul and his team Paul Motorsport at the Dekra Lausitzring. The Lamborghini driver comes from Dresden and has great expectations ahead of his home event. "The anticipation ahead of the weekend is huge. It is obviously special to race in the DTM so close to home," says Paul, who knows the circuit like the back of his hand. "The asphalt is special, with many bumps. You not only have to react to it with the car set-up, such as the damper calibration, but must also find the right line as a driver."

Big programme: Racing trucks, ADAC GT Masters and prototypes
Visitors can look forward to a real festival of motorsport at the Lausitzring. The European Truck Racing Championship will provide plenty of action, with racing trucks generating over 1,000 hp lining up in a total of four races. Spectators will also be treated to the opening two races of this season's ADAC GT Masters. Rounding off the programme is the Prototype Cup Germany. The DTM Track Safari on Friday is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an extra dose of adrenalin: fans are taken onto the track in buses, where they are joined by the stars of the DTM and their powerful cars. DJ Tomekk will ramp up the atmosphere in the DTM Fan Zone from 18:00 on Saturday evening. Tickets for the DTM weekend at the Lausitzring start at € 59 and are available online at dtm.com. Admission is free for under 16s when accompanied by an adult.