“Grello” returns to the Eifel: Why Thomas Preining and Manthey are particularly motivated for their home race at the Nürburgring
The DTM race weekend at the Nürburgring (August 8 to 10) is a real home game for two teams. Both HRT and Manthey are based in the Meuspath industrial park right next to the race track. Thomas Preining is therefore really looking forward to the DTM guest appearance in the Eifel region.
“The whole team is extremely motivated,” says the Austrian. “On top of that, it’s just amazing to drive the ‘Grello’ at the Nürburgring and feel the incredible support of the fans.” The yellow Manthey Porsche that Preining drives in the DTM has achieved cult status among fans at the Nürburgring thanks to its successes on the Nordschleife.
But that’s not the only reason Preining and the Manthey team are eagerly awaiting the races in the Eifel region. “It’s no secret that we still have a score to settle with the Nürburgring,” says Preining, referring to this year’s 24-hour race.
The “Grello” crew, which included Preining, his DTM teammate Ayhancan Güven, and endurance world champion Kevin Estre, crossed the finish line first but was only classified second after receiving a time penalty for a collision while lapping another car.
Preining and Manthey now want to make up for this setback in the DTM: “I like the Eifel and, of course, I want to be at the top of the podium at the end.” That would be important for the Austrian in the fight for his second DTM title.
Preining has been the driver of the moment in the championship recently. He scored 61 points in the last three races and celebrated his first win of the season in Sunday’s race at the Norisring. This moved the Porsche driver up to second place in the overall standings and he is now just seven points behind championship leader Lucas Auer at the start of the second half of the season.
“I think a leading group will establish itself at the top in the battle for the title,” said Preining, looking ahead and also defining his role: “I am convinced that we will be part of this group until the end, so that we can fight for the championship in the final race.”