Historically, one of the most exciting and recognisable racing series in the world, DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) returns this weekend for one of the most anticipated seasons in more than a decade. For the first time since 1992, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and the returning BMW will contest ten rounds of DTM action, hosted in five European cities. The culmination of this season will once again see teams and driver fight it out, Race of Champions-style, on a purpose-built track within the Munich Olimpic Stadium.
Much credit much be given to the German Motorsport Association (DMSB) for overseeing the reinvention of the DTM series after a few year of relative obscurity (compared with when the series used to compete with Formula One for viewership). In a laudable and historic coming together of the heads of all three motor manufacturers, titles sponsors, and the DMSB, new regulations aimed at managing costs, improving safety, and increasing the overall spectacle were unanimously agreed upon by all parties. Included in these new regulations are the sharing of components between all three car makers. These shared parts, including seats, pedals, and steering column, are seen as having no outright affect on the performance of each car.
This is also the first time since 2003 that DTM will feature (spectacular-looking) coupe models from each manufacturer and, as such, Audi will be running a total of eight A5 DTM cars alongside the same number of Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class DTM Coupes, and a total of six BMW M3s. All cars will run 90-degree V8 engines mated with a single make (Hewland) transmission. Power is restricted to 500 hp (372 kW) and each team (two cars each) is allowed to use a maximum of three engines (sealed two weeks before the first race) throughout the season.
Hankook is the official tyre supplier to DTM.
Some of the best tin top drivers in the world, including Mattias Ekstrom, Mike Rockenfeller, Andy Priaulx, and Timo Scheider will be joined on the grid by ex-Formula One pilots Ralf Schumacher and David Coulthard for the 2012 season.
Ensuring that each of the ten DTM race weekends is feast for racing enthusiasts each event will also feature Volkswagen Scirocco Cup, Porsche Carrera Cup, and Formula 3 Euro Series races. The opening round takes place at the famous Hockenheimring from 27 April 2012.
We can’t wait!
Watch the promo video for the 2012 DTM series below.
Historically, one of the most exciting and recognisable racing series in the world, DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) returns this weekend for one of the most anticipated seasons in more than a decade. For the first time since 1992, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and the returning BMW will contest ten rounds of DTM action, hosted in five European cities. The culmination of this season will once again see teams and driver fight it out, Race of Champions-style, on a purpose-built track within the Munich Olimpic Stadium.
Much credit much be given to the German Motorsport Association (DMSB) for overseeing the reinvention of the DTM series after a few year of relative obscurity (compared with when the series used to compete with Formula One for viewership). In a laudable and historic coming together of the heads of all three motor manufacturers, titles sponsors, and the DMSB, new regulations aimed at managing costs, improving safety, and increasing the overall spectacle were unanimously agreed upon by all parties. Included in these new regulations are the sharing of components between all three car makers. These shared parts, including seats, pedals, and steering column, are seen as having no outright affect on the performance of each car.
This is also the first time since 2003 that DTM will feature (spectacular-looking) coupe models from each manufacturer and, as such, Audi will be running a total of eight A5 DTM cars alongside the same number of Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class DTM Coupes, and a total of six BMW M3s. All cars will run 90-degree V8 engines mated with a single make (Hewland) transmission. Power is restricted to 500 hp (372 kW) and each team (two cars each) is allowed to use a maximum of three engines (sealed two weeks before the first race) throughout the season.
Hankook is the official tyre supplier to DTM.
Some of the best tin top drivers in the world, including Mattias Ekstrom, Mike Rockenfeller, Andy Priaulx, and Timo Scheider will be joined on the grid by ex-Formula One pilots Ralf Schumacher and David Coulthard for the 2012 season.
Ensuring that each of the ten DTM race weekends is feast for racing enthusiasts each event will also feature Volkswagen Scirocco Cup, Porsche Carrera Cup, and Formula 3 Euro Series races. The opening round takes place at the famous Hockenheimring from 27 April 2012.
We can’t wait!
Watch the promo video for the 2012 DTM series below.
