The Frankfurt-based Dörr Racing Team celebrated a remarkable milestone this season: a second victory in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) at the historic Sachsenring circuit. The win, secured by 21-year-old Ben Dörr pushed his points total to 123, a dramatic increase from the 47 points he collected last year. Owner Rainer Dörr said the team’s upward trajectory has turned heads across the paddock, and the squad now finds itself at a crossroads as 2027 approaches.
While the team enjoys growing respect, it also wrestles with the financial realities of high-performance racing. Sponsorship talks are ongoing, and the three-year DTM programme – which began in 2025 – is set to expire after the current season. In the meantime, the partnership with McLaren and the technical platform of the 720S GT3 Evo remain central to the club’s identity.
2027 outlook for Dörr Racing Team
Rainer Dörr has made it clear that the squad intends to stay the course in DTM, provided the financial puzzle can be solved. “We are working on the package and want to continue,” he told, emphasizing that the team’s recent performance has earned it serious credibility. The owner highlighted that the 2026 season has already delivered a podium and a win, achievements that outshine the 2025 campaign where the team struggled to break the 30-point barrier.
Funding for 2027 is not yet locked in, but Dörr expressed confidence in ongoing negotiations with potential backers. “We are having good talks with sponsors,” he said, underscoring the importance of stable revenue streams for a programme that demands cutting-edge machinery, engineering talent and a robust logistical operation.
Ben Dörr’s development and McLaren commitment
Ben’s rapid rise has become the narrative pillar of the programme. After scoring 123 points this year, the young driver now aims to cement his place as a future McLaren factory driver. He believes the recent victory will act as a catalyst for the whole team, fostering the confidence needed to chase more podiums in 2027.
When asked about the possibility of switching manufacturers after three seasons with the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo the team’s leadership was unequivocal: “If we change, it will still be with McLaren.” The car, while not built for rapid pit-stop tyre changes, delivers the raw performance required to compete at the front of the grid. Dörr stressed that the years already invested in development and driver training make a switch unlikely, and that staying with McLaren aligns with Ben’s long-term goal of earning a factory seat.
Timo Glock’s options beyond DTM
Former Formula 1 driver Timo Glock faces a different crossroads. His contract with Dörr Racing ends after the season, and a renewal appears doubtful after a series of technical setbacks and a strained relationship with the team. Glock, now 44, told the Starting Grid podcast that he remains open to any opportunity that arises, whether within DTM or in endurance racing.
He specifically mentioned interest in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, pointing to a collaborative project with Bitburger that could see him back behind the wheel of a McLaren-styled entry. Last year, Glock partnered with longtime friend Timo Scheider, Ben Dörr and McLaren factory driver Marvin Kirchhöfer in a tribute livery honoring Michael Schumacher’s 1994 F1 car. The original plan to run a Mercedes-AMG GT3 fell through, prompting the team to field the McLaren instead—an example of Glock’s adaptability and willingness to explore varied racing formats.
Both drivers’ future plans illustrate the broader strategic dilemma for Dörr Racing: balancing the desire for continuity with the need to adapt to financial and technical constraints. If sponsorship can be secured and the McLaren partnership remains intact, the team is poised to build on its recent success and target further victories in 2027. Conversely, any disruption—whether a manufacturer change or a key driver departure—could reshape the squad’s competitive outlook.
