DTM champion in the final lap, Ayhancan Güven still has "goosebumps"

This is certainly one of the defining images of the 2025 motorsport season: the battle between Ayhancan Güven and Marco Wittmann for victory on the final lap of the final race. DTMIn addition to a race victory, the title was at stake at that moment, with Güven needing to win to secure the crown against Lucas Auer. Overtaken by Wittmann, the Turk regained the lead in the Stadium, thus clinching a title he no longer expected. Nearly a month after the victorious final, the 2025 champion admits that watching that last lap is still a deeply emotional experience.

"I've watched it countless times (that last lap), and I get goosebumps every time."he explained to the official DTM website. “At first, it looks like an extremely risky overtaking maneuver, and you don’t really believe it will succeed. Perhaps that’s what makes this moment so special. From the start, I didn’t want it all to come down to mathematical calculations; I really wanted to win the race.”

More than just an important title from a personal point of view, Ayhancan Güven carried the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders. While Turkey is now accustomed to motorcycle titles, such as Kenan Sofuoğlu's World Supersport championship or Toprak Razgatlıoğlu's World Superbike title, the country has had less success on four wheels.

“I am extremely proud of my community. No matter what happens, the fans are always behind me, and some of them have supported me for many years. So this year has been special not only for me but also for my supporters. Winning the title has obviously brought me many new fans. It’s simply fantastic to see this community growing day by day. It means a great deal to me. A particularly strong motorsport culture is developing in Turkey. I am proud to be a part of it.”

Finally, Güven admits that he hasn't yet found the best place to display his new trophy: "Right now, the trophy is sitting in a really ordinary spot in my apartment. But I'm still looking for the perfect place. It's definitely the coolest trophy I've ever won."

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