DTM Zandvoort Race 1 report: Güven conquers the Dutch dunes in rain-soaked thriller

Ayhancan Güven mastered the treacherous conditions in the opening DTM race at Zandvoort after a bold tyre call and late-race battle with Nicki Thiim, clinching his second career DTM victory.

The skies over Zandvoort were anything but forgiving, as intermittent showers turned the circuit into a treacherous battleground. The race began on a damp but drying track, forcing teams into a strategic dilemma, stick with wets or gamble on slicks?

Most of the field opted for wet tyres, but Nicki Thiim and Maximilian Paul took a bold risk, starting on slicks. Initially, it seemed a disastrous call, as they were tumbling down the order in the opening laps. However, as the track dried, the advantage swung dramatically in their favour, allowing them to charge back into contention.

Out front, Jordan Pepper led early on, but a slow pit stop saw him lose the lead to Güven, who seized the opportunity with both hands.

Drama unfolded as Thierry Vermeulen’s Ferrari and René Rast’s BMW both came to a halt, triggering a safety car. Rast’s race ended in the barriers, following earlier damage sustained at Tarzanbocht. Thiim fought tooth and nail, but the Turkish racer held firm, crossing the line 0.323 seconds ahead after the late safety car restart.