Mirko Bortolotti disqualified from Oschersleben DTM win as Grasser appeals

Lamborghini driver Mirko Bortolotti has been disqualified from the DTM race at Oschersleben due to a technical infringement on his wheel bearing. The result remains provisional while Grasser Racing appeals the decision. A post-race inspection revealed that the wheel bearing did not meet the DTM homologation standards, leading to Bortolotti's disqualification and the loss of his first DTM victory since the 2024 Red Bull Ring race.

This was crucial to his 2024 title aspirations. As a consequence, DTM leader Maro Engel now claims the race victory, although this status could change if Grasser’s appeal is successful. The case is currently under review by the Sports Court of the German Motor Sport Federation (DMSB) in Frankfurt, with an uncertain timeline for resolution.

This uncertainty may extend until the season finale at Hockenheim on October 11. Grasser Racing is challenging the disqualification, citing a DTM clarification that specifically exempts wheel bearings from the homologation requirement. They argue that this exemption should apply to wheel bearings, despite the DTM rules supplementing the FIA GT3 homologation with its own technical clarifications, which often permit deviations from the FIA specification.

The immediate impact of the decision on the championship standings is significant, as Engel would gain four points ahead of both Nicki Thiim and Lucas Auer, while Thomas Preining, currently fourth, would gain four points but lose one to Engel.