# DTM Hockenheim: Engel wins race 2 as Preining secures championship

> Thomas Preining wins 2026 DTM championship with third place finish after Engel's race victory.
- Title: DTM Hockenheim: Engel wins race 2 as Preining secures…
- Summary: Thomas Preining wins 2026 DTM championship with third place finish after Engel's race victory. Thomas Preining secured his second DTM championship title…
- Keywords: dtm, preining, engel, championship, hockenheim, race 2, 2026, mercedes-amg, porsche, manthey, sports, cars
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/dtm/news/dtm-race-hockenheim-2-engel-wins-but-preining-is-dtm-champion-2026/10864461
- Author: Sönke Brederlow
- Published: 2026-10-11T17:57:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dtm, preining, engel, championship, hockenheim, race 2, 2026, mercedes-amg, porsche, manthey, sports, cars
## Preining secures 2026 DTM title
Thomas Preining won the 2026 DTM championship with third place in the final race.
## Engel wins race 2 but finishes second in championship
Maro Engel won the final race but settled for second place in the championship standings.
## Preining's race strategy
Preining started from seventh on the grid and gained positions to finish third after a strong race.
## Engel's lead challenge
Engel closed the gap to leader Buus before snatching the lead with a risky overtake.
## Preining's title defense
Preining maintained his lead despite a four-second gap and light rain during the race.
## Championship standings
Mercedes-AMG won the manufacturers' championship, with Porsche second and BMW third.
## Next race
The 2027 DTM season opener will take place from April 23 to 25, 2027 at the Red Bull Ring.
## Key takeaway

Thomas Preining secured his second DTM championship title after finishing third in the final race of the 2026 season.