Mirko Bortolotti claimed a landmark victory in Sunday’s DTM race at Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, handing the new Lamborghini Temerario GT3 its first race win.
The TGI Team by GRT driver started sixth but used an alternative pit strategy to move into contention, before capitalising on a slow second stop for pole-sitter Thomas Preining. A composed drive through the closing stages sealed his first DTM victory in almost two years.
Championship leader Maro Engel finished second for Mercedes-AMG Team Ravenol, extending his advantage in the drivers’ standings. Preining completed the podium despite losing the lead during the pit-stop phase.
Historic breakthrough for Lamborghini at Oschersleben
Thomas Preining converted pole position into the race lead at the start aboard the #91 Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R, comfortably holding off Luca Engstler’s #130 Abt Sportsline Lamborghini Temerario GT3 through the opening laps. Arjun Maini slotted into third in the #36 HRT Ford Racing Mustang GT3 as the leading trio settled into an early rhythm. Further behind, Mirko Bortolotti and Maro Engel began the race from sixth and seventh respectively in the #63 TGI Team by GRT Lamborghini Temerario GT3 and the #80 Mercedes-AMG Team Ravenol Mercedes-AMG GT3, both opting to remain patient as the first stint unfolded.
Bortolotti’s alternative strategy pays off
The race’s first turning point came during the opening pit-stop window. While many of the front-runners stopped early, Bortolotti stayed out longer than anyone else in the leading group before making the first of two mandatory pit stops. The strategy immediately paid dividends, allowing the Italian to rejoin in second place behind Preining and just ahead of Engel, whose Mercedes-AMG crew also completed a rapid service.
Manthey delay hands Bortolotti the lead
The decisive moment arrived during the second round of pit stops.
Preining, Bortolotti and Engel all dived into the pit lane together for fresh Pirelli slick tyres, but a delay of more than two seconds for the Manthey crew proved costly. Bortolotti emerged in the net race lead, while Engel also jumped ahead of Preining. With clean air ahead, Bortolotti quickly established a comfortable advantage. The 2024 champion steadily extended his lead throughout the final stint, crossing the finish line more than three seconds clear to secure both his first DTM victory since 2024 and the maiden race win for Lamborghini’s new Temerario GT3.
Behind the podium
Behind him, Engel resisted late pressure to finish second and strengthen his championship lead. Preining successfully defended third despite intense pressure from Marco Wittmann, whose #11 Schubert Motorsport BMW M4 GT3 remained within striking distance throughout the closing laps.
Luca Engstler completed a strong afternoon for Lamborghini by finishing fifth in the second Temerario GT3, while Arjun Maini brought the HRT Mustang GT3 home in sixth after spending much of the race battling inside the top five.
Kelvin van der Linde finished seventh in the #3 Schubert Motorsport BMW M4 GT3, ahead of Ricardo Feller in the #90 Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R, Jules Gounon in the #48 Mercedes-AMG Team Mann-Filter Mercedes-AMG GT3 and Matteo Cairoli, who secured Ferrari’s best result of the weekend in tenth for the #14 Emil Frey Racing Ferrari 296 GT3.
Bortolotti dedicates win to Paul
Following the race, an emotional Bortolotti dedicated the historic victory to injured team-mate Maximilian Paul and praised both his team and the Lamborghini Temerario GT3 after its breakthrough success in the DTM. For Engel, second place capped another consistent weekend that further strengthened his championship campaign, while Preining’s podium ensured the Manthey driver remained firmly in title contention despite missing out on victory after the costly pit-stop delay.
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