Short Description
Porsche driver Thomas Preining shares his emotional journey, revealing the thought process behind staying with Porsche rather than pursuing a DTM career, ultimately leading to his 2023 championship victory.
Read Time
Approximately 4 minutes and 15 seconds.
Main Article
In the competitive world of motorsport, driver decisions can shape entire careers. Thomas Preining, a prominent Porsche factory driver, recently opened up about his tumultuous journey leading to his success in the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters). Preining’s impressive 2023 championship win in the ‘Grello’ Porsche showcases his skill, but the path to this achievement was anything but straightforward. Back in 2017, as he debated signing with Porsche, Preining experienced significant doubt about his future in racing.
Preining recalls the emotional turmoil of committing to Porsche during a period when the brand was not involved in the DTM. “I was almost crying in Dr. Walliser’s office when I signed,” he reflected during the Over the Limit podcast. His hesitations stemmed from the fear that he might be relinquishing his chance to compete in Germany’s premier touring car series. This reluctance was compounded by the evolving landscape of motorsport, where the opportunity to join DTM could easily slip away. Despite these challenges, Preining’s choice to remain with Porsche ultimately proved fortuitous.
As Preining transitioned to a factory driver position, he faced another critical juncture. He nearly left Porsche for the DTM’s Class 1 era but realized that the project lacked long-term viability. This crucial decision became a pivotal moment in his career. The shifting dynamics of DTM, especially the transition to customer-focused GT3 regulations in 2021, paved the way for Porsche to enter the series. Preining’s determination was evident; he frequently reached out to Porsche, advocating for a DTM entry, which was realized in 2022.
Preining’s success since then has been remarkable. From his debut victory to clinching the title in 2023, he has emerged as a formidable contender in the DTM. His ability to navigate these significant career milestones—while consistently excelling on the track—demonstrates the resilience and commitment required to thrive in such a competitive arena.
Short Summary
Thomas Preining’s journey with Porsche highlights the emotional and professional challenges of pursuing a career in motorsport. His decisions led him to a triumphant 2023 DTM title, showcasing the importance of perseverance and strategic choices in achieving success.
