Feller Joins Preining in Slimmed Manthey DTM Lineup

DTM race winner Ricardo Feller will join Thomas Preining in Manthey Racing’s slimmed Porsche lineup for the series this year.

Feller has competed in the DTM in Audi machinery for the past four seasons, taking a best finish of third in the 2023 points table, but will now swap to a Porsche 911 GT3 R as part of Manthey’s reduced two-car DTM attack.

Ayhancan Guven won last year’s title but it had already been confirmed that he would not defend his DTM crown amid new IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship programs with Manthey for the Turkish racer this year, while Morris Schuring will also focus on international competition.

But Preining, who won the title in 2023 and was fourth in last season’s standings, does continue with Manthey for a fourth DTM campaign.

“After our great successes in 2025, we are looking forward to the new sprint season,” said Manthey director of racing Patrick Arkenau.

“Thomas will be competing with us for the fourth consecutive year, and I believe that this consistency is a significant advantage.

“We are delighted that Ricardo is joining the team as our second driver. He not only brings a fresh perspective, but also a wealth of DTM experience and an impressive track record in the series.

“We already competed in our first race together at Daytona, and I am confident that we will quickly become a well-coordinated team in the DTM as well.

“Of course, we would have been happy to start another sprint season with Ayhancan and Morris after winning three championship titles together in 2025. Nevertheless, I am glad that they are both staying with our team and will now be competing in the WEC and IMSA.”

Feller described joining Manthey for a DTM title bid as a “dream come true.”

“I believe every Porsche driver would love to race for this team and the results – two titles in three DTM seasons – speak for themselves,” he said.

“Beyond the sporting achievements, I am equally impressed by the team itself, the people and the professionalism that defines Manthey. I am really looking forward to working together and am confident that we will have a strong and successful season.”

Preining added: “I am very happy that the DTM continues and that I am now heading into my fourth season with Manthey.

“Over the years, our collaboration has grown even closer, and our processes are now exceptionally well-coordinated.

“In the past three seasons, we’ve shown that we can consistently fight for the championship. While nothing is ever guaranteed, I am still optimistic [of more success].”