Lucas Auer, racing for Landgraf Mercedes, left an indelible mark at the start of the 2025 DTM season with a breathtaking display of skill and precision. Dominating the race from his coveted pole position at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, Auer delivered a masterclass in racecraft. Following the event, his exhilaration was palpable: “It’s a perfect day,” he said, effusively praising his team for their exemplary performance. After a year-long hiatus, the Landgraf squad not only returned to competitive racing but did so with an execution that would impress even the most seasoned teams in the DTM.
The success was a testament to Auer’s ability to leverage his pole position into a substantial lead, creating a gap of over two seconds within just a handful of laps. From the outset, he showcased a stunning pace, reaching speeds significantly faster than his competitors—an indication of both his driving prowess and the impeccable set-up executed by his team.
The Challengers
Jordan Pepper of Grasser-Lamborghini and Maro Engel of Winward Mercedes were the closest contenders, with Pepper nearly threatening Auer’s lead in the final laps but ultimately crossing the finish line in second place. Engel, who started fifth on the grid, was also impressive, maneuvering his way onto the podium. The strategies deployed by both drivers were revealing; while Engel was ingenious in using an overcut strategy during the pitstops, it was Auer’s steady control and speed that prevailed.
As the race unfolded, it became increasingly clear that consistency and tire management were critical elements. The decision-making processes regarding when to pit became paramount in determining the final standings. Yet, despite the strategies, none of the top-tier drivers were able to displace Auer from his commanding position, underscoring the Austrian driver’s exceptional performance.
Pit Strategy Drama
Amidst the thrilling action, pit strategy proved to harbor its own drama. Ricardo Feller of Land Audi aimed to be the first to pit, attempting an audacious move that backfired dramatically, leaving him scrambling back into the pits after an embarrassing premature stop. Consequently, this miscalculation left him stranded in 23rd place, showcasing how even small errors in formula racing can have game-changing ramifications.
For the leaders, the pit windows opened with Auer, Pepper, and Preining entering the pit lane closely together, demonstrating the high-stakes nature of pit stops in DTM racing. The seamless execution by teams helped maintain the status-quo among the top three. Jules Gounon, who opted for an early pit stop, managed to gain some ground, yet still found it challenging to mount a serious challenge against Preining. His inability to capitalize on the opportunity reflects the unforgiving nature of motorsport, where timing can be everything.
The Championship Landscape
The itemized list of positions painted a vivid picture of the race’s action, with Thomas Preining and Jules Gounon trailing close behind the top three. Creative driving and audacious moves from competitors like Emil Frey Ferrari’s Jack Aitken and Ayhancan Guven of Manthey-Porsche added layers of excitement. Yet, for some, the season opener was a mixed bag.
Reigning champion Mirko Bortolotti found himself mired in the midfield, finishing in 9th place—a position far from the expected top positions that he famously occupied the previous year. Meanwhile, Rene Rast’s early exit due to engine failure epitomized the unpredictability of racing, casting a shadow over what could have been a triumphant day for the three-time DTM champion.
Despite a disheartening day, newcomers like Arjun Maini carved their niche, demonstrating promising overtaking skills against expectations. Maini’s rise to 15th place, alongside the struggles of others, underscored the healthy competition present in this year’s series.
As Auer sealed his impressive victory with a final margin of 0.641 seconds, fans were left eagerly anticipating how the rest of the 2025 DTM season would unfold, ready for more moments of high-speed drama and extraordinary performances.