Title Fight at Hockenheim: Who Will Claim the 2024 DTM Crown?
Three drivers, three teams, one goal: to win the 2024 DTM Championship. The final showdown for the DTM title will take place at Hockenheimring, Baden-Württemberg, from October 18 to 20. Leading the standings and entering as the slight favorite is Mirko Bortolotti (Italy) in the SSR Performance Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2. However, Audi driver Kelvin van der Linde (South Africa) of Abt Sportsline is just 15 points behind and poses a serious threat. Maro Engel (Monaco) in the Mercedes-AMG Team Winward is also in contention, sitting 20 points behind Bortolotti in third place. With up to 56 points still available in Hockenheim, the competition is intense. Tickets for the DTM finale start at 39 euros, and children under 16 get in free when accompanied by an adult.
Bortolotti Delivers Under Pressure
As the only one of the three title contenders with 204 points, Bortolotti has his fate in his own hands. The Italian recovered from a challenging start to the season and hit peak form just in time for the critical final phase. His best race weekend of the year was at the Red Bull Ring, where his first win of the season allowed him to reclaim the top spot in the standings. Bortolotti has been ice-cold in qualifying, regularly delivering top performances under pressure. The 34-year-old has started from the front row seven times this season. Having already experienced the intensity of Hockenheim in previous seasons as a title contender, Bortolotti is ready for the challenge. “I’m looking forward to the fight at Hockenheim. Whether you’re being chased or the chaser, the approach doesn’t change much—you can’t afford to make mistakes,” he says, remaining optimistic. “We perform consistently as a team, which isn’t easy in DTM, and that gives me confidence.”
Van der Linde Shows Counterattack Skills
As a two-time winner of the ADAC Ravenol 24 Hours Nürburgring, Kelvin van der Linde is one of the best GT3 drivers in the world, though a DTM title still eludes the South African. He has held the championship lead for longer than any other driver this season, but Bortolotti has overtaken him three times—twice van der Linde fought back. In Hockenheim, the 28-year-old needs to do it one more time to be crowned champion. For his team, Abt Sportsline, the title would be the perfect way to celebrate their 25th season in DTM. Van der Linde showed his fighting spirit recently at Spielberg, gaining 15 positions over two races from his starting spots. “I love racing at Hockenheim; I’ve always been successful there. Everything is still possible, and I’m highly motivated,” says the determined van der Linde, who won his first ADAC GT Masters title in Hockenheim ten years ago. With 189 points and two race wins, he remains the only title contender with multiple victories this season.
Engel Leans on His Experience
Maro Engel’s strength this season has been his remarkable consistency. Although the Monaco-based driver has yet to claim a win, he’s earned seven podium finishes—more than any other driver. In the last seven championship rounds, Engel has placed his Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the top three five times. Heading into the finale, Engel’s experience, with 106 DTM starts over eight seasons, could prove invaluable. At Oschersleben, he drove from 10th on the grid to finish second, and at the Dekra Lausitzring, he climbed 11 positions to secure another runner-up spot. Known as a master tactician, Engel can also rely on his team’s pit crew, who recorded the fastest tire changes in three races this season. “If you come into the finale with a shot at the title, it means you’ve had a strong season. We might be underdogs, but we believe in our chances and will give it everything we’ve got,” says Engel.
As the DTM season approaches its thrilling conclusion, the battle for the championship promises to be one for the ages.
