2026 DTM Red Bull Ring – Auer Sets The Pace At Home Circuit
The 2026 DTM Red Bull Ring weekend is already delivering excitement, with local favourite Lucas Auer making a strong statement in Friday’s free practice sessions. Driving for Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf, Auer topped the timesheets in the crucial qualifying simulation session, setting the benchmark for the rest of the field.
With competitive lap times, new tyre dynamics, and a packed race weekend schedule, the 2026 DTM Red Bull Ring is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling rounds of the season.
Auer leads tight Mercedes-AMG battle
It was a dominant showing from Mercedes-AMG drivers throughout Friday’s sessions. Auer posted a fastest lap of 1:28.204 in the second practice session, which focused on simulating qualifying runs using the newly developed Pirelli slick tyres.
Right behind him, Jules Gounon and Maro Engel completed a Mercedes-AMG top three, separated by a razor-thin margin of just 0.006 seconds. This incredibly close gap highlights just how competitive the field is heading into qualifying.
Further down the order, Ben Dörr impressed by topping the morning session and securing fourth overall. His McLaren showed strong pace, suggesting he could challenge the Mercedes dominance if conditions remain favourable. Meanwhile, rising talent Tom Kalender and experienced campaigner Timo Glock rounded out the top six.
Perfect conditions at the Red Bull Ring
Red Bull Ring provided a stunning backdrop for the opening day of the 2026 DTM Red Bull Ring weekend. Bathed in sunshine and surrounded by the Styrian Alps, the 4.326 km circuit offered ideal conditions for teams to push their cars to the limit.
Despite the consistent weather, lap times varied slightly across sessions. The midday qualifying simulation produced the fastest laps, while the morning and afternoon sessions were marginally slower. Interestingly, young Kalender topped the third session with a 1:28.841, proving that pace is not limited to the front-runners.
Auer himself highlighted the importance of the opening corners, noting that Turns 1 to 3 will be key overtaking zones during the races. With heavy braking and tight lines, these sections are expected to produce some of the most exciting action of the weekend.
Key sessions and race schedule
- Saturday Qualifying 1: 09:40 (SAST conversion may vary)
- Race 1: Saturday 13:30
- Sunday Qualifying 2: 09:30
- Race 2: Sunday 13:30
- Full weekend support races include ADAC GT Masters, GT4 Germany, and Porsche Carrera Cup
Fans can catch all the action via livestream platforms including Joyn and ran.de, while ProSieben will broadcast all races live on free-to-air TV. Additional coverage is available through ServusTV On and the official DTM YouTube channel.
A weekend set for high drama
With Lucas Auer leading the charge at his home circuit, the 2026 DTM Red Bull Ring promises intense battles, strategic racing, and plenty of overtaking opportunities. The introduction of new tyres adds another layer of unpredictability, meaning teams and drivers will need to adapt quickly.
As the season begins to take shape, this weekend could provide early clues about who will emerge as title contenders. For now, all eyes are on Spielberg as the engines roar and the fight for DTM supremacy continues.
