Image: DTM Media
It was revealed at the Hockenheimring in 2020 that for the 2021 season, the DTM championship will be ditching the usual DTM-spec BMWs and Audis in favour of a wider variety of sports cars that comply with the FIA GT3 championship.
Competing in DTM and the lower tier DTM Trophy series consists of more marques ranging from Aston Martin, Ferrari, Mercedes, Lamborghini, Bentley, Audi, Porsche and Honda.
This incentive was brought in with the thought that motorsport fans could look forward to a great variety of brands and more competitive racing in the DTM championship.
Image: DTM Media
A substantial difference to the DTM-spec cars is that the GT3-based racers are rumoured to be tuned up to 600hp and unlike the FIA series, feature no driving aids such as ABS or traction control systems. The same will apply to the DTM Trophy cars based off FIA GT4 regulations.
As per previous seasons, the formation of races begins with a rolling start before sprinting for two races that last 55 minutes each plus one lap each. Racing without driver changes will also stay in place for 2021.
For the DTM Trophy races, the sprints are shorter at 30 minutes each plus one lap each. The cars are based on the FIA
The 2021 DTM Calendar is as follows:
Race 1 - 18-20 June: Monza, Italy.
Race 2 - 02-04 July: Norisring, Germany.
Race 3 - 23-25 July: Lausitzring, Germany.
Race 4 - 06-08 August: Zolder, Belgium.
Race 5 - 20-22 August: Nurburgring, Germany.
Race 6 - 03-05 September: Red Bull Ring, Austria.
Race 7 - 17-19 September: Assen, Netherlands.
Race 8 - 01-03 October: Hockenheimring, Germany.
Image: DTM Media
Also unveiled for the future is the concept of a new DTM Electric series which promises to take motorsport to the next level. The prototype seen is a demonstration car made in collaboration with DTM organisation, ITR and automotive and industrial supplier, Schaeffler.
The DTM Electric series will be making its formal debut in 2023 and prototypes are planned to be in development for this year.
It is planned that sprint races lasting 30 minutes are on the agenda as well as automated battery changes during the mandatory pit stops.
The DTM championship may be straying away from its traditional roots, but perhaps excitement levels will explode when car control is key and racing is close.