The three drivers that have a realistic shot at the 2023 DTM title all represent different manufacturers, raising the possibility of external interference in the final two races on Saturday and Sunday.
Team orders have been banned in the DTM since the controversial events of the 2021 Norisring finale, but there is a general understanding that it is impossible to detect every violation.
PLUS: How a devastating title loss steeled Liam Lawson for F1
Factory Lamborghini driver Mirko Bortolotti, who trails Porsche’s Thomas Preining by 10 points in the standings, wants two clean races to decide the winner of this year's title fight.
“I hope it plays out fairly and there are no silly games being played,” he said. “Hopefully it plays out between us and not with other people trying to do anything clever that won't end up being clever.”
Bortolotti made it clear that he is not relying on other drivers in his SSR Performance team, or the wider Lamborghini contingent that includes the Grasser squad, to become a DTM champion for the first time.
“No, you can't [use help from others],” he said. “We're on our own and we have to fight for ourselves.”
Manthey EMA driver Preining likewise called for a fair contest at Hockenheim after an impressive sophomore campaign in which he cemented his place as a top GT driver in Porsche’s factory roster.
“Plan A is not to rely on anything like that and there's nothing planned in that direction either,” he said of team orders.
“It would be most beautiful and best if everything runs cleanly and it's really handled in a sporting way and clarified on the track, and not somewhere at the green table or by team-mates.”
Source: Autosport