The 2025 DTM season kicked off at Oschersleben on Friday with two free practice sessions. Cooler morning conditions gave way to a faster afternoon as teams dialled in their setups ahead of Saturday’s first qualifying session.

DTM OSCHERSLEBEN | DTM EXPLAINER | ENTRY LIST | FRIDAY REPORT AND GALLERY | QUALIFYING 1 REPORT | UPDATE: GREEN DISQUALIFIED, AUER PROMOTED TO POLE | RACE 1 REPORT

As temperatures climbed to 15°C, the track evolved rapidly and lap times tumbled. Maro Engel (#24 Mercedes-AMG Team Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3) made the most of the improving grip, nailing his fastest lap just as his Pirelli slicks hit their sweet spot to top the timesheets with a 1:22.321.

Twelve drivers dipped under the 1:23.000 barrier—more than double the number in the morning session. Jordan Pepper (#19 TGI Team Lamborghini by GRT Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2) and Maximilian Paul (#71 Paul Motorsport Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2) pushed late to go second and third, with Pepper’s best lap coming in the final 90 seconds. Thomas Preining (#91 Manthey EMA Porsche 911 GT3 R) continued his strong start to the weekend as the quickest Porsche driver.

Saturday morning’s qualifying session gets underway at 9:20 as the 2025 DTM season roars into life.

Follow GT REPORT for updates, reports, and results from Oschersleben all weekend long.

Photos by Sascha Schiwietz.