Title contenders set sights on the DTM trophy

• Six drivers are hoping to wear the DTM crown in Hockenheim
• Buus presents a Porsche 911 GT3 R in New England Patriots colours
• ProSieben to show both deciding races live on free TV

Hockenheim. Ready for the ultimate showdown: The destination of the 2026 DTM title will be decided this weekend, when the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg hosts the grand finale. Before the six title contenders go head to head in the final two races of the year on Saturday and Sunday, they faced each other at the racetrack on Thursday. Championship leader Thomas Preining (A/Manthey) and his five pursuers assembled with the champion's trophy in Hockenheim.

Joining Porsche works driver Preining in the battle for the DTM title are Mercedes-AMG racer Maro Engel (Monaco/Mercedes-AMG Team Ravenol), Marco Wittmann (Fürth/Schubert Motorsport) in a BMW, Mercedes-AMG driver Lucas Auer (A/Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf), Ferrari's Matteo Cairoli (I/Emil Frey Racing), and Aston Martin ace Nicki Thiim (DK/Comtoyou Racing). The coveted trophy was within touching distance of all six contenders during the photo shoot. Who actually gets to lift the silverware at the weekend will be decided in the final two races of the season on Saturday and Sunday.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R of Bastian Buus (Land-Motorsport) provided another special photo opportunity on Thursday. The Dane presented his car in its special New England Patriots livery at the Hockenheimring. The NFL team is a partner of the DTM and will also be present in the DTM Fan Zone at the season finale. The 550-hp race car bears the colours of the six-time Super Bowl champions, as well as the distinctive Patriots logo on the doors.

ProSieben is showing the DTM showdown live on free TV. Coverage starts at 13:00 on Saturday, while the German broadcaster goes on air at the later time of 16:00 on Sunday. Tickets for the season finale in Hockenheim start at € 49 and are available at dtm.com. Admission is free for under 16s when accompanied by an adult.