Porsche driver Thomas Preining experienced a dramatic swing in the opening DTM round at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, winning Saturday's race but finishing 13th on Sunday, which he described as a 'huge disappointment.'
Porsche driver Thomas Preining experienced a dramatic swing in the opening DTM round at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, winning Saturday’s race but finishing 13th on Sunday, which he described as a ‘huge disappointment.’ The Manthey Racing driver’s weekend highlighted the intense competitiveness of the 2025 DTM season.
Saturday’s Victory: A Masterclass
Preining delivered a flawless performance on Saturday, piloting his Porsche 911 GT3 R to a commanding victory. The win showcased the car’s pace and Preining’s skill, setting high expectations for the rest of the weekend.
Sunday’s Collapse: From Podium to Midfield
Sunday told a different story. Preining qualified 14th after a difficult session and could only gain one position during the race, crossing the line in 13th. Speaking to Motorsport.com, he said: ‘It’s a huge disappointment, really. After the win on Saturday, I expected a lot, but things didn’t go as planned.’
What caused the drastic performance swing?
Preining pointed to the razor-thin margins in DTM. ‘In qualifying, the gap was very small, but it cost me 14 grid positions. It’s very difficult to make that up in the race,’ he explained. The tight competition means minor setup or driver errors have outsized consequences.
Impact on the championship
Despite the setback, Preining remains a title contender with five rounds remaining. However, consistency will be key. His pace on Saturday proves he has the speed to win, but he must improve his qualifying performance to avoid fighting from the back.
Can Preining bounce back?
The next round at the Nürburgring (May 23-25, 2025) will be a true test of Preining’s resilience. With the Porsche’s proven race pace, a strong qualifying session could put him back in contention for victory.
When is the next DTM round?
Round 2 of the 2025 DTM season takes place at the Nürburgring in Germany from May 23-25. Preining will aim to rebound from his Sunday disappointment and challenge for the win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Thomas Preining?
Thomas Preining is a German professional DTM driver for Manthey Racing, driving a Porsche 911 GT3 R. He won the Saturday season opener but finished 13th on Sunday.
Why was Preining's Sunday performance so poor?
Preining qualified 14th due to a small gap in performance, which he said is typical of DTM's tight competition. He could only gain one position during the race.
What is the next DTM round?
The second round of the 2025 DTM season will be held at the Nürburgring in Germany from May 23 to 25.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — Thomas Preining explains “huge disappointment” after difficult DTM Sunday
