DTM Preview: Lausitzring

Maro Engel, now championship leader | Credit: ADAC Motorsport

After a four-week break, DTM returns! This weekend (19th–21st June 2026), the teams will be racing around the German circuit, Lausitzring, in the first German round of the 2026 season. Each of the four races so far has produced a different winner: will that run continue this weekend? 

Maro Engel (Mercedes) is currently leading the championship despite not making it onto the podium in either of the races at Zandvoort. Lucas Auer (Mercedes) is only six points behind in second place after a strong Race 1 in Zandvoort but an unsatisfactory Race 2. Both drivers will aim to hold their positions this weekend. 

Auer finished in 2nd place in Zandvoort’s first race | Credit: ADAC Motorsport

Many are expecting Auer to dominate this weekend: the Austrian is a true Lausitzring specialist who won his first DTM Race there in 2016 and also celebrated a victory in Lusatia last year. If this consistency continues, he may find himself leading the championship once again.

As for the current leader, Engel, he has finished in the top six in all four of this season's races so far. He and the Mercedes team have curated clever Race and pit stop strategies that have allowed him to climb to the top of the standings, which is a streak they will be hoping to continue at the Lausitzring.

Away from the top two, the Midfield has become increasingly competitive after Zandvoort. Kelvin van der Linde (Schubert) claimed victory in the Netherlands in Race 2 after qualifying on pole and has had previous success at this weekend's circuit.

The BMW driver said: "I won at the Lausitzring in 2024 and also took a second place. The circuit is great fun and allows good racing. We travel there with good momentum and are fully motivated".

Van der Linde celebrating after his first victory of the season. | Credit: ADAC Motorsport

Rookie Finn Wiebelhaus (HRT) was the fastest at the DTM test at the Lausitzring just two weeks ago. Could the newcomer land a first podium this weekend? Ben Dörr (Dörr) arrives in Lusatia after the McLaren youngster and his team secured their first podium finish in their third DTM season.

Both are now in sixth place in the drivers' and teams' championships and will look to maintain or even extend their positions this weekend. 

Edited by Pranav Sharma