A greater focus on Germany, synergies with the other platform series and a new look for the GT Masters - the ADAC has presented its plans for the future of the DTM. The message is clear: the DNA of the traditional series should be preserved.
After turbulent weeks, there is finally more clarity. The ADAC, which confirmed last week that it would take over the DTM brand rights from Gerhard Berger, presented its plans for Germany's most important racing championship on Thursday (December 8th). Even under the umbrella of Europe's largest automobile club, it should stand for top-class sport.
As in the past four decades, a driver will pilot a vehicle. There will continue to be two runs per event, which will include obligatory tire changes. In contrast to the GT Masters, these are so-called performance pit stops, so there is no minimum waiting time.
While the concept per se remains untouched, some details will change. The tires will no longer be supplied by Michelin, but by the Formula 1 partner Pirelli. This already equips a large part of the worldwide GT3 championships. The Balance of Performance (BoP) is also followed by a change to "standard goods". The SRO Motorsports Group, which organizes the GT World Challenge Europe, among other things, will provide the classification data from 2023.
More sustainability, more Germany
While the DTM under Gerhard Berger aimed for timely electrification, the ADAC is initially relying on renewable fuel admixtures. Partner Shell already supplied fuel for the GT Masters this year "that consists of 50% renewable components." In addition, BWT's "Bottle Free Zone" initiative to avoid plastic waste in the paddock is to be promoted even more externally by the DTM.
With the calendar, the ADAC is reacting to the critically eyed internationalization of recent years and is promising a brand core of Germany. As a sort of confirmation of this ambition, Oschersleben is being brought back into the schedule after an eight-year break and the kick-off is being held there on the Pentecost weekend. Nevertheless, with the second weekend in Zandvoort and the penultimate weekend in Spielberg, there will be two – welcome – trips to neighboring countries.
More important news for the German fans: The future of the Norisring is secured and the Sachsenring is also celebrating its return after 20 years. Overlaps with major GT3 events and major events such as Le Mans were explicitly avoided.
Dates DTM 2023, subject to change
26.05. – 28.05.2023 – Motorsport Arena Oschersleben
23.06. – 25.06.2023 – Circuit Zandvoort /NL
07.07. – 09.07.2023 – Norisring
04.08. – 06.08.2023 – Nürburgring
18.08. – 20.08.2023 – DEKRA Lausitzring
08.09. – 10.09.2023 – Sachsenring
22.09. – 24.09.2023 – Red Bull Ring /A
20.10. – 22.10.2023 – Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg
ADAC GT Masters will be retained
The GT Masters series, which has existed since 2007, will move more towards endurance from the coming season under the name "DTM Endurance". Under this umbrella, the GT3 vehicles start at six to seven events together with the sports cars of the Prototype Cup Germany. Since there is still some tuning work to be done, further details will follow later. In addition to the new DTM Endurance, the ADAC GT4 Germany, the BMW M2 Racing Cup and the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany are also an integral part of the DTM program. Regarding classic races, negotiations are still ongoing.
Question marks also remain with the TV deal. Here, the ADAC communicates cautiously: "In 2023, the DTM will be shown live on free TV with a strong TV partner." ADAC Sports President Dr. Gerd Ennser explains: "The DTM enjoys an international reputation and an excellent reputation beyond borders - but the heart of the DTM beats in Germany. It was very important to us to create planning security for the teams shortly after acquiring the trademark rights."
"It was important that we concentrate on the core market. The ADAC is inheriting a great deal and continues to align the DTM with its transnational appeal as a strong international brand in European motorsport. We are creating a strong platform with sustainable and future-oriented structures for German motorsport."
