The DTM title race has taken another dramatic twist as Lamborghini squad Grasser Racing Team officially lodged an appeal against the disqualification of driver Mirko Bortolotti from the Oschersleben round. The German motorsport federation, DMSB, confirmed on Tuesday that the appeal was filed within the required 96-hour window, which closed at 5 p.m. local time on Monday.
The team now has one week to provide a detailed written justification for the appeal. That deadline lands just days before the season finale at Hockenheim, where Bortolotti is locked in a fierce championship battle. The timing of the appeal process has become a central talking point, as a verdict before the final race could have massive implications for the title outcome.
Background to the Disqualification
Bortolotti was stripped of his second-place finish at Oschersleben after post-race technical checks found his Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 to be non-compliant with DTM regulations. The exact nature of the infringement has not been publicly detailed, but the disqualification dropped Bortolotti from second to 22nd in the official results, costing him valuable championship points.
At the time, Grasser team principal Gottfried Grasser indicated that the team would exhaust every avenue to overturn the decision, citing a belief that the car had been run within the rules. The appeal is the formal first step in that process.
Title Implications
Bortolotti entered Oschersleben as the championship leader but left with his advantage slashed. With the disqualification, he lost 18 points – the difference between second place and a points-less finish. That has allowed his closest rivals to close the gap, setting up a nail-biting finale at Hockenheim.
If the appeal is successful and Bortolotti’s points are reinstated, he would regain a comfortable lead. If the appeal fails or is not resolved before the final race, the title fight could be decided under a cloud of uncertainty. The DMSB’s timeline is crucial: the team has until the end of this week to submit its written case, and a hearing could follow shortly after.
What Happens Next
Once the written submission is received, the DMSB’s tribunal will review the case. It is unclear whether a verdict will be delivered before the Hockenheim weekend, which begins on 9 October. Sources close to the federation suggest that an expedited process is possible given the stakes, but no guarantees have been made.
For Bortolotti and Grasser, the appeal is not just about points – it’s about reputation. The team has a long history in GT racing and has always prided itself on meticulous preparation. A successful appeal would vindicate their stance; a failed one would leave a stain on an otherwise strong season.
Broader Context
This appeal is the latest in a series of controversial technical rulings in the DTM this year. The series has seen several post-race penalties and disqualifications, prompting criticism from some quarters about inconsistent enforcement. Grasser’s decision to fight the ruling could set a precedent for how future disputes are handled.
Meanwhile, Bortolotti remains focused on the task at hand. He has continued to test and prepare for Hockenheim, where he will need to score strongly regardless of the appeal’s outcome. His rivals, including the likes of Kelvin van der Linde and Thomas Preining, will be watching the legal proceedings as closely as the on-track action.
The Final Word
As the DTM heads into its season finale, the championship is poised on a knife-edge. The appeal adds an extra layer of intrigue to what was already set to be a dramatic showdown. Whether the DMSB can deliver a timely verdict remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the spotlight on Hockenheim will be brighter than ever.
