Reigning DTM teams’ champion Manthey has confirmed its driver line-up for its title defence, with the team set to field a pair of Porsche 911 GT3 Rs (992.2) in the series this year.
2023 drivers’ champion Thomas Preining is returning to the #91 Porsche for the fourth consecutive season, whilst Porsche contracted driver Ricardo Feller has joined the team to pilot its #90 entry.
Feller replaces 2025 drivers’ champion Ayhancan Güven in the #90 Porsche, with a switch to the FIA WEC having previously been confirmed for the Turkish racer.
The Manthey Junior Team, which fielded Morris Schuring in a third car last season, will not return to the series this year.
25-year-old Feller has joined Manthey from Land-Motorsport, for his first DTM campaign in anything other than an Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II. The Swiss racer has scored three DTM wins to date, and finished third in the 2023 drivers’ championship.
Feller made his Manthey debut at last month’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, finishing fifth in GTD Pro alongside Preining, Güven and Klaus Bachler.
“I am incredibly excited to stay in the DTM, now already entering my fifth season,” Feller said.
“Joining Manthey is a dream come true for me. I believe every Porsche driver would love to race for this team and the results – two titles in three DTM seasons – speak for themselves. 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.”
Consistent title threat Preining, meanwhile, is aiming to become the first multi-time champion of the DTM’s GT3 era. The Austrian, who was fourth in the drivers’ championship last season, is yet to finish outside of the top five in the final standings during his DTM career, and has also picked up at least one race win during every campaign.
“I am very happy that the DTM continues and that I am now heading into my fourth season with Manthey,” Preining said.
“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. I really enjoy working with the team and being part of the DTM, and I’m already looking forward to the first race!”
Patrick Arkenau, Director Racing at the Manthey Racing GmbH , commented: “After our great successes in 2025, we are looking forward to the new sprint season. Thomas will be competing with us for the fourth consecutive year, and I believe that this consistency is a significant advantage. The mutual trust that has developed because of our shared successes and experiences is very strong, and all our joint workflows are perfectly established.
“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.”
The 2026 DTM season begins at the Red Bull Ring, Austria from 24th to 26th April 2026.
Images courtesy of Manthey
