Ayhancan Guven Claims First DTM Victory, Manthey EMA Leads Standings

Ayhancan Guven wins his first DTM race at Oschersleben for Manthey EMA Porsche, securing a double podium and leading the team championship.

Ayhancan Guven made history in DTM by becoming the first Turkish driver ever to win a race in the prestigious series. At the season opener in Oschersleben, the Manthey EMA driver claimed a commanding victory in Sunday's race behind the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 R.

Taking full advantage of the new regulations, which require two mandatory pit stops, Güven and his engineers crafted a flawless strategy. Starting from fourth on the grid, he timed his first pit stop perfectly to gain clean air and leapfrog his rivals. Later, by delaying his second stop until the last possible moment, he solidified his lead and crossed the finish line with a comfortable margin.

His teammate at Manthey EMA, Porsche works driver Thomas Preining, also delivered an impressive performance. Starting seventh, he climbed to third place thanks to faultless pit stops and a decisive overtake on a Lamborghini driver. This double podium finish propelled Manthey EMA to the top of the DTM team standings.

According to Sebastian Golz, Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R, the success was the result of "calculated decisions, excellent preparation, and flawless teamwork." The new two-pit-stop race format, he emphasized, highlighted the critical role of strategy and pit crew performance.

The updated 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 R proved crucial in securing the win. Its refined aerodynamics, reworked suspension, and reliable traction control system allowed the drivers to maximize the car’s potential, especially in crucial phases after pit stops.

After the first race weekend, Güven sits second in the drivers' standings, while Manthey EMA leads the teams' championship. The opening event of the 2025 DTM season has already shown how decisive teamwork and strategic precision will be under the new rules. Judging by this strong start, Porsche and Manthey EMA are likely to be key contenders for the titles this year.