PREVIEW: 2025 DTM Lausitzring

Home Heroes, Tight Margins, and a Packed Motorsport Festival

The DTM championship returns to Germany for its second round, heading east to the Dekra Lausitzring this weekend. This is where the season always seems to find its rhythm. There is something about this place, a technical, bumpy circuit, a true test of both driver and car, tucked away in Brandenburg but with a loyal fanbase that shows up whatever the weather.

What’s new this weekend?
You are not just getting DTM. There is a full programme:

• The ADAC GT Masters makes its season debut.
• The Prototype Cup Germany joins for high-downforce drama.
• The Truck Racing European Championship adds some serious spectacle — these beasts make everything else look small.
• Even the DTM Track Safari is back, offering fans a lap on the circuit with the stars.

Racing fans have plenty of ways to watch. Both main DTM races air live on ProSieben, and you can stream them via Joyn. Saturday’s race starts at 12.30, an hour earlier than usual, with Sunday’s at 13.30.

The State of Play: Who’s Hot?

Jordan Pepper (TGI Team Lamborghini by GRT) arrives as the points leader after a strong showing at the season opener. The South African has never led the standings before, and everyone is watching how he handles the pressure.

Ayhancan Güven (Porsche, Team75 Bernhard) took his first DTM victory in Oschersleben, while Lucas Auer (Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf) grabbed a win on Saturday and leads Mercedes-AMG’s charge. Auer, who still remembers his breakthrough win here in 2016, has reason to feel confident. “The Lausitzring is one of my favourites,” Auer says. “It’s technical but rewarding, and it’s where things clicked for me in DTM."

Defending champion Mirko Bortolotti (Lamborghini, Abt Sportsline) did not have an ideal start, just two ninth places, but topped the times at the official test here. If he finds his groove, expect him in the mix.

Don’t forget about Jack Aitken (Ferrari, Emil Frey Racing). With Formula 1 experience, the Brit set the lap record at this circuit and took his first DTM win here last year. Meanwhile, René Rast (BMW, Schubert Motorsport) has three Lausitzring wins to his name and a new BMW M4 GT3 Evo under him.

And then, there is the local Maximillian Paul. The Dresden native is racing almost at home and admits the bumpy, tricky surface requires more than just a quick car: “You need the right set-up, but you also have to drive smart. It’s special to race here in front of my friends and family.”

Mercedes-AMG’s Strong Start

Mercedes-AMG comes to Lausitzring with momentum. At Oschersleben, the brand saw a win, two podiums, and both Jules Gounon (MANN-FILTER) and Auer looking like championship threats. Gounon, who made his DTM debut, grabbed a Sunday pole and finished second in the new format with two mandatory pit stops. “It’s been intense,” says Gounon, “but we showed we have the speed. The team worked hard to get the setup right.”

Auer, still carrying some success ballast after his win, had a rougher Sunday but salvaged points. Maro Engel (Winward Racing) and young Tom Kalender (Landgraf) both had up-and-down weekends, with Kalender just 17 and already showing promise.

Mercedes-AMG is at the top of the manufacturers’ standings. The pressure is on to keep that up, with all three teams eyeing strong results.

What Makes Lausitzring Special?

• 3.478 km, 12 turns, run anti-clockwise.
• The surface is notoriously bumpy, and the weather is unpredictable.
• Overtaking is possible, but risky. The slow corners punish mistakes, while the faster ones reward a brave approach.
• Both the qualifying and race strategy are crucial. Last year’s winners, Kelvin van der Linde (Audi) and Thomas Preining (Porsche), proved that you must get everything right to stand on the top step.

What Else to Watch

• The crowd: This is a home race for several teams and drivers. Expect a great turnout, with plenty of noise.
• The track action: truck racing and prototype support races mean there is never a dull moment.
• For families, children under 16 get in free with an adult, and there’s a proper festival vibe.

Key Storylines

• Can Jordan Pepper hang onto the points lead, or will experience tell?
• Will Mercedes-AMG continue their early-season form?
• Does Mirko Bortolotti finally deliver, or is it another round of frustration?
• Who will take the spotlight in front of the home fans?

You never really know until the flag falls at Lausitzring. This place has seen more than its share of drama over the years. If you are a fan of German motorsport, you will want to watch every session. The DTM field is deep, the margins are tight, and the surprises keep coming.