Innovations make the DTM even more attractive for fans and drivers

 Now in its 39th year, the DTM will this season be held under the umbrella of the ADAC. The change at the top brings with it a number of innovations in the sporting regulations, designed to make the racing even more attractive and transparent for spectators. The DTM is also becoming more sustainable: from this season, the popular racing series will use an innovative fuel, underlining its pioneering role in worldwide motorsport. The addition to the calendar of Circuit Zandvoort, Motorsport Arena Oschersleben and the Sachsenring also sees the return of three racetracks that last hosted DTM races five, eight and 21 years ago respectively. 

New sustainable fuel All the cars in this season’s DTM start for the first time with an innovative fuel from Shell, which is made of roughly 50 percent regenerative components and contributes significantly to efforts to reduce CO2. The fuel meets the standard for Super Plus fuel and, as such, can also be used in production vehicles.

Longer races Spectators and fans can look forward to even more race action: the duration of this season’s races has been extended by five minutes, taking it to one hour plus one lap. All races in the 2023 DTM season start at 13:30. TV partner ProSieben goes on air with its extensive live coverage from 13:00 before both races. Globally, the DTM is broadcast on television in over 70 countries.

Bottle-Free Zone Sustainability is also an important factor in the DTM paddock this season. Thanks to the partnership with internationally-renowned water treatment company BWT, the whole DTM is equipped with water dispensers. These are provided for the teams in the garage and in the team hospitalities. Additional BWT water dispensers will also be positioned in the DTM Media Center, race control and the ADAC Members Lounge, as well as the TV compound and for the Pirelli tyre service. Four BWT water stations in the paddock also ensure that all visitors have free access to BWT water products. 

New points system A new points system also promises to provide extra excitement in the race for the DTM title: where previously the top ten picked up points, the first 15 drivers over the finish line will now add to their points tally. The winner scores 25 points, with the runner-up receiving 20. The third podium place is rewarded with 16 points, fourth place picks up 13 points. From fifth (11 points), each position receives one point fewer than the car in front, right down to 15th place (one point). This means that more than 50 percent of the 28 starters can finish in the points.

Tyre sets from new partner Pirelli This season, the DTM lines up on tyres from premium manufacturer and Formula 1 supplier Pirelli. The five fastest qualifiers must start the respective race on the four tyres, with which they set their fastest lap time in the corresponding qualifying. The Balance of Performance is based on the Pirelli tyres and is this season organised by the SRO Motorsport Group, a long-term partner of the ADAC.

“More lenient” penalty: the penalty lap In the future, smaller infringements in the DTM will be punished with a penalty lap. A penalty zone will be set up at every circuit for this purpose. The DTM drivers must drive through this defined area at a maximum speed of 50 km/h and are likely to lose roughly five seconds through this “more lenient” penalty. The penalty lap also clears up the situation out on the track, instead of having to add time penalties after the end of the race.

Mandatory pit stop within 20 minutes Tyre changes can decide between success and failure in a DTM race. The window for tyre changes has been reduced for this season, giving the fans a better overview. The performance pit stop must be made between the 20th and 40th minutes of the race. There is no minimum stationary time. All four of the car’s tyres must be changed. The race director can move the window if there is a safety car or full-course yellow before or during the pit stop.

Family-friendly pricing model Tickets for a DTM weekend are on average ten to 20 euros cheaper this season than they were last year, and are available from just 39 euros at dtm.com. Admission is free for children and under 16s when accompanied by an adult. Furthermore, ADAC members receive a 10 percent discount when purchasing advance tickets online. All tickets include free admission to the DTM paddock.