Ayhancan Güven Makes History as First Turkish Driver to Win DTM Race
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Ayhancan Güven has etched his name in the annals of motorsport history by becoming the first Turkish driver to claim victory in a DTM race. Güven’s stellar performance at Oschersleben not only showcased his driving prowess but also highlighted his strategic acumen on the track.
Representing Team Manthey EMA, Güven started the race in fourth position but quickly maneuvered his way to the front of the pack with a well-timed tire change. The Porsche driver crossed the finish line with a commanding lead of 2.6 seconds, securing his maiden win in the prestigious series.
Reflecting on his historic achievement, an elated Güven expressed, “This moment has been my ultimate goal since my first DTM race. Last year was rather disappointing for me, so it feels all the better to start the new season with a win.” The Turkish driver credited his father, who served as his mentor, for playing a pivotal role in his success.
The action-packed race saw Jules Gounon of Mercedes-AMG Team Mann-Filter finish in second place, followed by Thomas Preining in third for Team Manthey EMA. A vibrant crowd of 47,000 spectators witnessed the thrilling spectacle under the radiant sunshine in the Magdeburg Börde region.
Güven’s strategic brilliance came to the fore during the race as he and BMW driver René Rast executed a flawless pit stop strategy, propelling them to the top positions. The introduction of a second mandatory pit stop added an extra layer of excitement to the competition, with Güven maintaining his composure to secure the top spot.
The race also saw notable performances from Porsche works driver Preining, who showcased impressive overtaking skills to clinch third place, and Marco Wittmann, who made a remarkable ascent to finish in sixth position. Reigning champion Mirko Bortolotti had to settle for ninth place, while Saturday’s victor Luca Auer crossed the line in tenth position.
As the Turkish flag soared high above the podium at Oschersleben, Güven’s historic triumph reverberated throughout the motorsport world, cementing his status as a rising star in the DTM series. With his maiden victory, Güven has not only made a mark for himself but has also inspired a new generation of aspiring drivers to dream big and chase their passion for speed and glory on the racetrack.
