Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters

Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters

Official logo of the DTM
Category	Grand Touring racing
Country	Europe (Germany 40% and rest of European countries 60% (2020))
Inaugural season	2000
Constructors	Audi BMW Ferrari Lamborghini McLaren Mercedes-AMG
Tyre suppliers	Michelin
Drivers' champion	René Rast
Makes' champion	Audi
Teams' champion	Audi Sport Team Rosberg
Official website	www.dtm.com
Current season

The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM, German Touring Car Masters) is a grand touring car series sanctioned by ITR e.V. who have been affiliated to the DMSB-FIA since 1984. The series is based in Germany, with rounds elsewhere in Europe. The series currently races a modified version of Group GT3 grand touring cars, replacing the Class 1 touring cars of earlier years.

From 2000 to 2020, the new DTM continues the former Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (German Touring Car Championship) and ITC (International Touring Car Championship) which had been discontinued after 1996 due to high costs. The series raced prototype silhouette racing cars based on a mass-produced road car.

History[]

The new DTM (2000)[]

During the ITC era, a large proportion of the revenue generated by the championship went to the FIA, with the result that less went to the teams who subsequently complained of little return on their increasingly large investment in the high-tech touring car series. Since 1997, many ideas had been discussed in order to find a compromise for the rules of a new DTM racing series. Opel put the primary emphasis on cost control, Mercedes-Benz supported expensive development in competition, BMW wanted an international series rather than one focused on Germany only, while Audi insisted on allowing their trademark quattro four-wheel drive system (despite running the rear wheel drive Audi R8 in sports car racing).

The DTM returned in 2000 as Mercedes and Opel had agreed to use cars that were based on the concept car that was shown by Opel on various occasions (e.g. the 1999 24 Hours Nürburgring where Opel celebrated its 100th anniversary). The series adopted the format of the 1995 championship, with most rounds held in Germany and occasional rounds throughout Europe, but having learnt the disastrous lessons of the ITC format, the ITR constantly made efforts to keep costs in the revived series from exploding to unreasonable levels, and to keep the championship firmly tied to its German roots. As too many races were initially planned outside Germany, no Championship (Meisterschaft) status was granted by the DMSB, and the DTM initials now stand for Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (German Touring Car Masters).

Unlike the previous incarnation, which primarily used saloon models like the Mercedes-Benz W201, the new DTM featured only 2-door coupés. Opel used the upcoming Coupé version of the Astra as in the concept car, and Mercedes used the CLK model which was already used as the basis for the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR GT1-class sports car.

The motorsport arm of the Bavarian tuning company Abt Sportsline was allowed to enter on short notice. Abt used the Audi TT as a basis for a DTM car, as Audi had no suitable 2-door coupé in its model lineup at the time, even though the dimensions of the car did not fit into the rules of the series. This also meant that the 1999 STW-Supertouring-champion Christian Abt could not defend his STW title as this series was also discontinued, with Opel then moving into DTM.

DTM (2000–2003)[]

In May 2000, the new DTM started with the traditional Hockenheimring round on the short course. Some cars competing in the race had no or few sponsorship decals. While Opel's cars could match the speed of most Mercedes cars in the 2000 season, the hastily developed Abt-Audi ended up outclassed. As the body shape of the TT had rather poor aerodynamic properties, Abt was allowed to use a version with a stretched wheelbase and bodyshell in later years. Further dispensation was also granted, such as increased rear wing height, which helped the Abt-Audi TT-R win the DTM championship in 2002 with Laurent Aïello.

In 2002, the DTM also introduced the HANS device to increase driver safety and reduce injuries from accidents.

Ups and downs for Opel[]

In 2000, Manuel Reuter came second in the championship. After that year, no Opel driver was among the top three in the overall championship, with few podium finishes and no victories for the disappointing "lightnings". On the other hand, it was Opel team boss Volker Strycek who brought a new highlight to the fans, by racing a modified DTM car on the old version of the Nürburgring in 2002, 20 years after the top classes had moved to the modern Grand Prix track, and 10 years after the old DTM stopped racing there. The Opels did not win in many of their race entries in the VLN endurance racing series, as they were mainly testing, but the speed was said to be impressive, and the fans loved it. However, they won the 2003 Nürburgring 24 Hours against factory efforts by Audi, who also ran a DTM-spec TT and BMW, who ran an ALMS-spec M3.

Audi joins DTM in 2004[]

After their successes with the Audi R8 and the official support of the Abt-TT-Rs at the Nürburgring, Audi finally joined the DTM as a factory entrant in 2004. The three constructors involved decided to switch to saloon bodies. The road models used as patterns since 2004 are the Audi A4, Opel Vectra GTS and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. All dimensions, like the wheelbase, are identical in order to provide equal opportunities without the actual design of the road cars having any influence. Audi immediately had success in 2004 with Swedish driver Mattias Ekström, now a long-time veteran of the sport, becoming a DTM series champion for the first time.

DTM in 2005–2006[]

The championship suffered a setback in 2004 when long-time entrant Opel decided to pull out of the series at the end of the 2005 season, as part of a large cost-cutting operation in General Motors European division. Initially, the gap looked set to be filled by MG Rover, however their plans to enter the series were canceled after the company collapsed in April 2005. As a result, Audi and Mercedes ended up fielding 10 cars each in 2006, but the television deal with the major German television station ARD required three marques to participate in 2007 in order to continue the broadcast agreement.

DTM in 2007–2013[]

The DTM carried on with only two manufacturers in spite of the television agreement requiring three manufacturers to participate in the series. The 2007–2009 seasons were marked by the dominance of Audi. Swede Mattias Ekström won the second of his two titles in 2007, and Timo Scheider took the driver's championship in the following two years. Mercedes-Benz were in the runner-up positions in both 2008 and 2009 (Paul di Resta in 2008 and Gary Paffett in 2009). In 2010, Mercedes finally bridged the gap to Audi, as di Resta won the 2010 championship driving for AMG-Mercedes.

In 2011 and 2012, the DTM held a Race of Champions-style exhibition event in the Munich Olympic Stadium.^[1]

In 2012 BMW made a return to the series after a twenty-year absence,^[2] and won the drivers, teams, and manufacturers titles.^[3]

Audi switched from the A4 to the A5 in 2012^[4] and to the RS5 in 2013.^[5] In 2013, the Drag Reduction System identical to the system used in Formula 1 was introduced by ITR to improve racing in DTM.

Recent history (2014–present)[]

In 2014, the body shape and aerodynamic pieces of all DTM cars were modified to improve racing. The double-header races (Saturday and Sunday races) were also revived in 2015, thus switching from races with total laps run to timed races. The qualifying format was also reformatted into a single-session timed qualification (similar to the Formula One qualifying format used from 1996 to 2002), but DTM only run a single 20-minute qualifying session for Saturday and Sunday races. Performance weights were also introduced to determine the winning car's weight.

In 2017, the DTM field size was reduced from 24 to 18 cars total to improve quality as well as increasing affordability for its existing manufacturers, while making the series a more attractive proposition for any prospective entrants and manufacturers.

For the 2019 season, turbocharged engines were reintroduced to the series for the first time since 1989 (see article below for full story).

The 2021 season switched to a GT3-based regulation otherwise known as GT Plus where the Class One cars have been retired in order to attract more manufacturers to the series for the first time meaning that factory drivers who competed in the past are transferred to teams that are entered privately.

International expansion[]

DTM-SuperGT unification[]

In March 2010, The GT Association (the governing body of the Super GT series in Japan) initially announced that the ITR were beginning to align the technical regulations with Super GT's GT500 class and NASCAR's Grand American Road Racing Association Grand Touring division to form a new Grand Touring specification.^[6] In October 2012, a cooperation agreement between DTM and Super GT was signed in Berlin. The agreement regarding the use of the 'New DTM' regulations by Japan's Super GT began in 2014 and ran for four years.^[7] DTM moved away from its previous 4.0-litre V8 specification in favour of 2.0-litre turbos in 2019, which Super GT had implemented in 2014.^[8]

NASCAR Holdings / IMSA[]

On 27 March 2013, the ITR and NASCAR Holdings road racing division, the International Motor Sports Association announced a North American DTM series that was scheduled to start between 2015 and 2016 based on the 2014 DTM/Class One regulations.^[9] As of 2019, a North American DTM series has yet to run, despite interest being shown by the North American sanctioning body to run DTM/Class One, either as a series under IMSA sanction or possible integration into the sports car championship as a potential replacement for the GTLM/GTE class in 2022.^[10] The initial 2013 agreement to run a North American DTM Series was signed by IMSA's predecessor, Grand-Am Road Racing and did not take into account the subsequent merger of the sanctioning body with the rival sports car championship American Le Mans Series in 2014 to form United Sportscar Racing, now known as the WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.^[11]

Race format[]

When the DTM series returned, it used a similar format to the final season of the former DTM in 1996: two races of 100 kilometres, with a short break between them. In 2001 and 2002 there was a short race of 35 kilometres as well as a long race of 100 kilometres, which included one pit stop and points scored for the top 10 as in earlier seasons. From 2003 to 2014 there was only one race, which had a distance of about 250 kilometres, and two mandatory pit stops.

For the 2015 season a new race format was introduced. Race weekend consisted of 40-minute (Saturday) and 60-minute (Sunday) races. On Saturday's race a pit stop was optional, while on Sunday's race a pit stop was mandatory and all the four tyres had to be changed. Both races had the same scoring system.

In the 2017 season, both races of the weekend featured the same distance – 55 minutes plus a complete lap, with one race being held on Saturday, the other on Sunday. In both races, the drivers had to pit at least once for a set of fresh tyres.^[12] For the 2019 season the time limited race format was abolished and the series reverted to the fixed lap race format that was last used in 2014.^[13] However, after the opening round of the 2019 season, the series reverted the 55-minute plus one lap distance format due to issues with television broadcasts running longer than expected.

Racing flags[]

These are the racing flags that usually used in every Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters race weekends:

Flag	Names	Meaning
	SC Board (Safety Car)	Shown in conjunction with a yellow flag to indicate that the Safety Car is on track. Full course yellow flag applies. Drivers must hold position and slow down.
	VSC Board (Virtual Safety Car)	Shown in conjunction with a yellow flag to indicate that the virtual safety car is in use. During this time, the drivers are given maximum sector times that they must stay below. Full course double yellow flag applies.[14]
	Green	Normal racing conditions apply. This is usually shown following a yellow flag to indicate that the hazard has been passed. A green flag is shown at all stations for the lap following the end of a full-course yellow (or safety car). A green flag is also shown at the start of every race sessions (free practice, qualifying and race).
	Yellow	Indicates a hazard on or near the track (waved yellows indicate a hazard on the track, frozen yellows indicate a hazard near the track). Double waved yellows inform drivers that they must slow down as marshals are working on or near to the track and drivers should be prepared to stop.
	Yellow and red striped	Slippery track, due to oil, water or loose debris. Can be seen 'rocked' from side-to-side (not waved) to indicate a small animal on track.
	Blue	A blue flag indicates that the driver in front must let faster cars behind him pass because he is being lapped. If flag is missed 3 times the driver could be penalised.
	White	Indicates that there is a slow car ahead. Often waved at the end of the pit lane when a car is about to leave the pits.
	Black and orange circle	Car is damaged or has a mechanical problem, must return to the pit lane immediately. Will be accompanied by driver's number
	Half black half white	Warns a driver for poor sportsmanship or dangerous behaviour. Can be followed by a Black flag upon further infringement. Accompanied by the driver's number.
	Black	Driver is disqualified. Will be accompanied by the driver's number. This can be issued after a Half Black Half White flag.
	Red	A red flag immediately halts a race or session when conditions become too dangerous to continue.
	Chequered flag	End of the practice, qualifying or racing session.

DTM drivers[]

The drivers have been a mixture of young and older drivers, including well known former Formula One drivers David Coulthard, Bernd Schneider, Allan McNish, Jean Alesi, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Ralf Schumacher, JJ Lehto, Pedro Lamy, Karl Wendlinger, Emanuele Pirro, Stefano Modena, two-time F1 world champion Mika Häkkinen and former F1 2008 Canadian Grand Prix winner Robert Kubica. Others, such as Laurent Aïello, Tom Kristensen, Dindo Capello, Frank Biela, Marco Werner, Lucas Luhr, Alexandre Prémat, , Jaroslav Janiš, and Alain Menu have made their career racing in sports cars and touring cars.

The DTM is also increasingly being used by young drivers such as Robert Wickens and Gary Paffett to jump-start their racing career in single-seaters. Wickens was in the 2012 Mercedes young driver program and in his first year of DTM. This strategy appears to have worked well for Christijan Albers, who built a reputation by finishing second and third in the 2003 and 2004 championships with Mercedes-Benz and then graduated to Formula One in 2005. He came back in 2008, but this time driving for Audi. After winning the championship in 2010, Paul di Resta raced from 2011 until 2013 for Mercedes-engined Formula One team Force India. He has now returned to the Mercedes DTM team. Pascal Wehrlein, who has won the championship in a Mercedes car in 2015 went on to race for Sauber F1 Team and was a test driver for the Mercedes F1 team.

Gary Paffett has also used his championship win to gain a test with McLaren, and they signed him as permanent test driver for 2006. This prevented Paffett from defending his title in 2006, however he thought that it will be a springboard for a race seat during the 2007 Formula One season. The plan failed however, and Paffett returned to DTM in 2007, but in a 2006 specification car.

Four female drivers have taken part in the championship. In 2006 Vanina Ickx started racing for Audi and Susie Stoddart-later-Wolff in 2011 for Mercedes. In 2008 Ickx was replaced by Katherine Legge, who was subsequently replaced for the 2011 season by Rahel Frey.

Cars, technology and specifications[]

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Chassis[]

DTM cars closely resemble public road vehicles but heavily modified into a racing version. The championship controls and specifies the chassis/car and engine manufacturers that teams are allowed to use each season.^{[citation needed]} The league's choice of manufacturers are changed every three years. Opel provided cars and engines in 2000–2005 with two different models (Astra in 2000–2003 later Vectra GTS V8 in 2004–2005). Opel ended its DTM program after the 2005 season, citing costs and company restructuring. Aston Martin provided the cars to R-Motorsport team in 2019, but left DTM after the 2020 season unable to secure an engine supplier.^[15]

In 2000, Mercedes-Benz AMG came to the new DTM from the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Mercedes-Benz won their first race in 1st Hockenheimring round, as well as the series title. In July 2017, Mercedes-Benz AMG company officials announced the company's withdrawal from German touring car racing after 2018 season and the immediate discontinuation of its DTM program, coinciding with its entrance into FIA Formula E Championship in 2019, and its discontinuation of its DMSB program.

During the first inaugural resumption season, all DTM car styles were utilized shorter two-door coupé-style cars until 2003 season but in 2004 coupé-style cars were minority due to the transition to four-door sedan saloon-style cars. In 2004 the four-door sedan saloon-style cars were introduced due to touring car racing's core philosophy (several touring car racing tournaments have a de facto 4-door sedan saloon cars) until 2011. For 2012 season onwards the two-door coupé-style cars were returned until to date but the two-door coupé-style cars are much more different than 2000–2003 cars (longer length, longer wheelbase, slightly lower height and aggressive aero package). The updated new coupé-style cars were introduced in 2017 thanks to new rear wing.

The cars are supposed to be fast and spectacular, while still fairly cheap to build and run. All DTM race cars have RWD and 4.0-litre V8 engines (now 2.0-litre inline-4 engines) which are air-restricted to 460 hp but now into over 500 hp since 2017 until 2018 season and now into 610 hp including 30 hp push-to-pass since 2019 season and later 580 hp + 60 p push-to-pass since 2020 season onwards, no matter if similar layouts or engines are available in the road cars. Instead of the road car bodies, unrelated purpose-built chassis are used, which are closer to prototype racing. Many drivers have in fact described the handling of the cars as closer to single seater racing cars than road cars. Only the roof sections of the road cars are put on top of the roll cages, and lights and other distinctive design features are used in order to provide a resemblance to the road cars. Also, in order to save money and provide close racing, many common parts from third party specialists are used, like transmission (from Hewland), brakes (from AP Racing), wheels (from ATS) and Hankook tyres (see below). The all-important aerodynamic configurations are tested in wind tunnels before the season, brought to an equal level, and kept that way throughout the season.

DTM cars adhere to a front engine rear-wheel-drive design (similar to public legal road car). A roll cage serves as a space frame chassis, covered by CFRP crash elements on the side, front and rear and covered by metallic bodywork. They have a closed cockpit, a bi-plane rear wing, and other aerodynamic parts such as front splitter, side winglets and hood holes (see also on Aerodynamics section for more details).

The price of one current DTM car is normally €600,000-€5,000,000.

Aerodynamics[]

All Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars aero packages are completely assembled. The car floor underbody is flat. Serratured side front fenders are included along with triple-decker front side winglet flicks, multiple side winglet flicks and multiple rear winglet flicks. The 2017–2018 generation of rear wing for all Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars are slightly wider, bi-plane wing and also parallelogram rear wing end plate. Since 2019 season onwards, the new generation of rear wings are wider than 2012–2018 generation of rear wing, single-plane wing and uniquely shaped rear wing plate. DTM cars have included a Drag Reduction System since the 2013 season (similar to Formula One) for helping the driver to overtake.

The HYLO (High Yaw Lift-Off) aerodynamic safety is integrated on the rear wing for all Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars started form 2020 season onwards.^[16]

Transmission, gearbox and clutches[]

For the transmission gearboxes, all DTM cars currently utilize a semi-automatic transmission with a 6-speed gearbox operated by paddle shifters and supplied by Hewland Engineering since the 2012 season (including reverse gear) using a DTT-200 model. From 2000 to 2011, all DTM cars used sequential manual transmission with a 6-speed gearbox operated by a conventional sequential shifter. The clutch of all DTM cars is a CFRP 4-plate clutch operated by foot-pedal and provided by ZF. The mechanical limited-slip differential is also allowed and constant velocity joint tripod driveshafts are also used. All Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars drivetrain is currently front-engine with rear-wheel-drive layout.

Brakes[]

AP Racing supplies monobloc brake calipers, carbon brake discs, pads and disc bells, which are exclusive to all Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars since 2000. The carbon brake discs are thicker for improving braking power while approaching sharper corners.

Suspensions[]

The suspension of all Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars is upper and lower wishbones, pushrod operated and coupled with adjustable gas pressure dampers.

Steering actuation system[]

The steering actuation system of all Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars are servo-assisted, rack and pinion without power steering system that actuated by a hydraulic until 2020 season.

Wheel rims[]

ATS exclusively supplies wheel rims for all Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars since the 2017 season. Previously O.Z. Racing, BBS and AMG were wheel rim suppliers per manufacturer. The wheel rims for all DTM cars are made of magnesium alloy wheels. The wheel size of DTM wheel rims are 12 in × 18 in (305 mm × 457 mm) on front and 13 in × 18 in (330 mm × 457 mm) on rear.

Tyres[]

Michelin is now currently sole tyre partner for the series since 2021 season onwards, carrying the Pilot Sport GT S9M brand until at least one-year deal as a result of GT3-style GT Pro transition.^[17] Previously Hankook^[18] and Dunlop Tyres were the tyre partner of DTM from 2000 to 2010 seasons (Dunlop) and 2011 to 2020 seasons (Hankook), carrying the SP Sport Maxx (Dunlop 2000–2010) and Ventus (Hankook 2011–2020) brands respectively. The DTM runs the bespoke compounds and same size as LMP and GT cars since 2000 and re-profiled in 2012. The current front tyre sizes are 300/680-R18 (11.8/26.8-R18) and the rear tyre sizes are 320/700-R18 (12.6/27.9-R18)^[19] (previously front tyre sizes were 240/650-R18 (9.45/25.6-R18) and the rear tyre sizes were 280/660-R18 (11.0/25.6-R18) in 2000–2003 later front tyre sizes were 265/660-R18 (10.4/25.9-R18) and the rear tyre sizes were 280/660-R18 (11.0/25.9-R18) in 2004–2010 and later front tyre sizes were 260/660-R18 (10.2/25.9-R18) and the rear tyre sizes were 280/660-R18 (11.0/25.9-R18) in 2011). The compounds of Hankook Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters tyres are currently only one dry slick compound (standard prime hard) and one wet treaded compound (full-wet only).^[20] Option tyres were used as a soft compound in 2013–2014 seasons.

Interior and other safety components[]

For the safety equipment, all DTM cars seating uses removable carbon-fibre shell driver's seat with 6-point seat belts. The steering wheel of all DTM cars are free design per one manufacturer with multiple buttons (similar to Formula One). All DTM cars are also equipped with Bosch Motorsport DDU 8 data display units since 2012 until 2018 season before replaced by newly upgraded DDU 10 display in 2019. The fire extinguisher of all DTM cars are included in the bottom right-hand side underneath. The interior rear-view mirror was used in 2000 until 2018 before it was replaced by newly innovated rear-view camera from the start of 2019 season. The rear-view camera display for all DTM cars are supplied by Gentex Corporation.

The cockpits of all DTM cars are fully protected by doors, windshields and roofs (shielded by polycarbonate glass for windscreen, side windows and rear windows including also windshield wipers for rain weather only in the windscreen) because of current coupé-type car.

Fuel tank[]

The fuel tanks of all DTM cars are made of kevlar-reinforced rubber safety tank supplied by ATL. Currently the fuel tank capacity of all DTM cars are 120 litres (32 US gallons) since 2012–present. Previously, the fuel tank of all DTM cars were 65–70 litres (17–18 US gallons) in 2000–2011.

Refuelling during a race is banned due to safety and cost reasons. In 2000–2011 refuelling was allowed during race weekend sessions for the entire weekend.

Other components[]

All DTM cars carry a Bosch-provided electronic control unit (newly upgraded Motronic MS 7.4 model). Live telemetry is used only for television broadcasts, but the data can be recorded from the ECU to the computer if the car is in the garage and not on the track. The power box management of all DTM cars are utilizing Bosch PBX 190. The battery of all DTM cars are supplied by Braille B128L Micro-Lite lithium racing battery since 2012 season.

Side rear-view mirrors for all DTM cars are fully mandated to easily viewing opponents behind.

Engines[]

First-generation (2000–2018)[]

The cars were powered by traditional classic naturally-aspirated (no turbocharger or supercharger) indirect-injected with four-stroke Otto cycle unleaded petrol-burning stock block V8 engines, with aluminium alloy blocks, DOHC valvetrain actuating four-valves per cylinder and limited to 4.0 litres (244 cubic inches) displacement since the series' resumption in 2000. These first-generation DTM car engines produced about 460 hp (343 kW; 466 PS) power output at 8,500 rpm in 2000–2016 and later slightly increased to over 500 hp (373 kW; 507 PS) in 2017–2018 as a result of intake air restrictor slight increase from 28 to 29 mm (1.10 to 1.14 in). Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz provided DTM engines with the manufacturers and models respectively (Audi has provided TT DTM later A4 DTM later A5 DTM and later RS5 DTM through its tuning partner Neil Brown Engineering in 2002 until 2018 while BMW has provided M3 DTM and later M4 DTM and also Mercedes-Benz has provided CLK DTM later C-Class Series and later C-Class Coupé). Opel were provided DTM V8 engines for Opel Astra Coupe DTM and Vectra GTS V8 DTM cars through its tuning partner Spiess Engineering in 2000–2005. The engines were prototyped race custom-built similar to 2006–2013 Formula One engines, 1997–2011 IndyCar Series engines and other naturally aspirated V8 racing engines.

The bore width and stroke height of first-generation DTM naturally aspirated V8 engines were 93 mm × 73.6 mm (3.66 in × 2.90 in).

DTM naturally aspirated V8 engines were rev-limited to 9,000 rpm. The valve train was a dual overhead camshaft configuration with four valves per cylinder. The crankshaft was made of alloy steel, with five main bearing caps. The pistons were forged aluminium alloy, while the connecting rods are machined alloy steel. The firing ignition was a CDI ignition system. The engine lubrication was a dry sump type, cooled by a single water pump. The fuel feed of first-generation DTM engines were traditional electronic indirect multi-point port fuel injection (MPI).

The first generation DTM engine weight are DTM-mandated minimum 148 kg (326 lb) without filter and spark box.

The first generation 4.0 litres (244 cubic inches) V8 engine normally aspirated 90-degree configuration were used as a required engine configuration until 2018 season.

Second-generation (2019–2020)[]

The second-generation Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters engine unit (known as "Class One") was introduced in 2019, the current engines are based on Japanese Super GT GT500 Class One engines under Nippon Race Engine (NRE) formula. All Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars switched from outgoing traditional 4.0 litres (244 cubic inches) V8 naturally-aspirated electronic indirect multi-point injection to an all-new road car-based mass-produced fuel-efficient 2.0 litres (122 cubic inches) Inline-4 cylinder with four-stroke piston Otto cycle inter-cooled turbocharged direct injection engine from the 2019 season onwards called the "Class One" while the current coupé-style cars will also remain from 2019 beyond.^[21] This will mark the return of turbocharged engines in 2019 season for the first time since 1989 Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft season (see Turbocharger for full story). The all-new second-generation engine fuel delivery will be gasoline direct injection instead of traditional electronic indirect multi-point injection. The current second generation engines are fully based on public legal production vehicles. The power output of all-new second-generation DTM engine was increased from 500 to 610 hp (373 to 455 kW; 507 to 618 PS) in 2019 and later reduced from 610 to 580 hp (455 to 433 kW; 618 to 588 PS) in 2020.

Audi and BMW are currently providing DTM new generation engines with the manufacturers respectively. HWA also provide the engines for Aston Martin-licensee R-Motorsport in 2019 but HWA left DTM after 2019 season due to string of poor results.^[22]

The engine components are steel/aluminium alloy blocks, DOHC valvetrain actuating four-valves per cylinder, fuel pumps, injectors, pistons, conrods, turbochargers, plenum chamber, crankcase, valve, exhaust valve, spark plugs, ignition and throttle butterfly systems. The new push-to-pass system that usually used in IndyCar Series will be introduced for 2019 season onwards to improve racing spectacle and produced roughly about 30 hp (22 kW) with a duration about 60 seconds of usage rechargeable,^[23] after a 2019 successful the push-to-pass system will be doubled to 60 hp (45 kW) from 2020 season onwards.^[24] The weight of newly second generation DTM engine are minimum 85 kg (187 lb) with turbocharger (DTM-mandated).

The new engines rev limit are upgraded to 9,500 rpm (500 rpm higher than previous generation engine) with additional 200 rpm for push-to-pass operation. The valvetrain is still a dual overhead camshaft configuration with four valves per cylinder. The crankshaft is made of alloy steel, with five main bearing caps. The pistons still remained forged aluminium alloy supplied by Mahle, while the connecting rods are machined alloy steel. The firing ignition is now spark assisted with digital inductive. The engine lubrication still remain dry sump type, cooled by a single mechanical water pump feeding a single-sided cooling system. The fuel feed injector of current second-generation DTM engines are gasoline direct injection that produces roughly 350 bar (5,076 psi) of rail pressure supplied by Bosch.

The specific fuel consumption of current second-generation of DTM engines are extremely low due to weight and lightweight design – especially in the context of avoiding CO2 emissions, environmental impact and air pollution. The fuel-mass flow restrictor rate of current second-generation DTM engines are limited to 95 kg/h (209 lb/h) + 5 kg/h (11 lb/h) push-to-pass and now more limited to 90 kg/h (198 lb/h) and also the increase of extra fuel-mass flow restrictor rate of push-to-pass to 10 kg/h (22 lb/h).

The current second-generation DTM engines allocation are limited to one engine per season and lasted up to 6,000 kilometres (3,700 miles) after rebuild. Mid-season engine change including during race weekend is banned and may resulted grid penalty for race session.

Turbocharger[]

The turbochargers are reintroduced from the start of 2019 season. The turbo configuration is single-turbocharged and producing the turbo boost level pressure up to 3.5 bar (51 psi) (1.9-2.2 bar higher than IndyCar Series that had 1.3–1.6 bar (19–23 psi) turbo boost level varies on every track - similar to Super GT GT500 Class 1 turbochargers). Swiss-American turbocharger company Garrett Advancing Motion which is a spin-off company of Honeywell International Inc. currently supplies exclusive turbocharger kits including wastegate for all DTM cars from 2019 season onwards using a 846519-15 model. The turbocharger spin rev limit spins up to 150,000 rpm but not exceeding 155,000 rpm due to higher turbo boost pressure.

Spark plugs[]

All Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars carried a spark plugs are made of iridium and supplied exclusively by Bosch since 2000.

Exhaust systems[]

The exhaust systems of all DTM cars are silencer type but made of titanium, steel and nickel/cobalt lightweight with operation of three-way catalytic converter. Currently Akrapovič (Audi and BMW) and Remus (Aston Martin (previously Mercedes-Benz)) are providing the exhaust systems. The exhaust exits were double in 2000–2018 and later cut to single exhaust exit from 2019 onwards due to inline-4 turbo introduction.

Fuel[]

At its inception, all the DTM cars currently utilizing ordinary fossil unleaded racing fuel, which has been the de facto standard in German touring car racing since original DTM 1994 and the reborn of DTM in 2000 until 2019 (previously the original DTM were used leaded fuels in 1984–1993). Since the 2010 season, the fuel of all DTM cars is currently Aral Ultimate 102 RON unleaded racing fuel. In 2005–2009, the Aral Ultimate 100 RON unleaded fuel was used for all DTM cars. From 2000 to 2003, Agip was providing an unleaded fuel for all DTM cars. From 2004, all DTM cars were fueled by Shell with V-Power brand until mid-2005, when they switched to Aral Ultimate 100 RON unleaded racing fuel.

Current Aral Ultimate 102 RON unleaded gasoline is resemble the ordinary unleaded public vehicles gasoline which has better mileage, environmental-friendly and safer than leaded fuels despite no alcohol or biofuel added.

After Aral decided to end Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters fuel-supply partnership in 2021, the series still yet to have a new fuel supplier.

Lubricants[]

The lubricant supplier of all DTM cars are mandatory recommendation by per manufacturer (Aston Martin with Total, Audi with Castrol (factory) and Total (W Racing Team) as well as BMW with Shell (factory) and PKN Orlen (Orlen Team ART)).

Cooling components[]

The car also features internal cooling upgrades, a new water radiator, radiator duct, oil/water heat exchanger, modified oil degasser, new oil and water pipes and new heat exchanger fixing brackets. PWR is the current DTM cooling component supplier since 2000.

Performance[]

According to research and pre-season stability tests, the pre-2019 model can go 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 2.6 seconds. The car had a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph) meaning that it is the second fastest touring car behind the Australian V8 Supercars.^[25]

Since DTM switched from traditional classic electronic indirect-injected V8 naturally aspirated engines to fuel-efficient direct-injected inline-4 turbocharged engines since 2019 season, the current model can go 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 2.8 seconds and now has a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) and thus outperforming Australian Supercars top speed (Albeit, DTM cars use 102 RON fuel compared with Australian Supercars using E85 fuel. A fair comparison would be both series cars using the same fuel type).

Balance of Performance[]

In 2015, Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters introduced a Balance of Performance (BoP) system to improve racing spectacle. The Balance of Performance (BoP) weight regulations specified a car weight allowance range between 2,436–2,513 lb (1,105–1,140 kg) in 2015–2016, later changed to 2,414–2,513 lb (1,095–1,140 kg) from the mid-2017 season,^[26][27] in effect being closer to success ballast system used in British Touring Car Championship and Super GT despite the name. The Balance of Performance (BoP) weight regulations were scrapped just before the Austrian race due to several protests and criticisms from DTM teams.^[28]

Prohibitions[]

Driver aids like ABS, traction control, launch control, active suspension, cockpit-adjustable anti-roll bar and partial car-to-team radio communications are currently prohibited except fuel mapping and Drag Reduction Systems, which can only be used for 12 laps in 2018 when near enough.

Driver safety[]

The safety is very important for all Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters drivers. Race suit, Nomex underwear, gloves, socks, boots and headsocks are requiredly by driver. Meanwhile, the helmets for all Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters drivers are made of carbon-fibre shell, lined with energy-absorbing foam and Nomex padding. The helmet type must meet or exceed FIA 8860-2010 certification approval as a homologation for all auto racing drivers. HANS device are required by Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters drivers since 2002 season that meets or exceeds FIA 8858-2010 certification approval. Earpieces also required by Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters drivers to improve communication listening.

Comparison with Formula One car[]

A Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters car is a single-seat touring car racing car.

Over the years both Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters and Formula One race schedules are traditionally held in permanent racing courses. The increased stress and speed of these tracks mean that the cars tended to be heavier, wider and have shorter wheelbases than F1 cars (increasing stability but decreasing agility).

When the weight of the driver is factored in, a Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters car weighed over 55% more than a Formula One Car. The minimum weight for a Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters car was adjusted from 1,080 kg (2,381 lb) based on the weight of the driver compared to the field average; with the driver included, all cars had a minimum weight of 1,120 kg (2,469 lb) (with a Balance of Performance weight allowance range of 1,095–1,140 kg (2,414–2,513 lb). A Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters car piloted by 82 kg Maxime Martin (the heaviest driver in the series and 10 kg heavier than the field average) had to have weighed at least 1,080 kg when empty. The minimum weight of a Formula One car, including the driver, currently 722 kg (1,592 lb). This difference of 398 kg (877 lb) is just over 55% of the 2017 F1 car's weight.

Beginning in the inaugural season of the reborn DTM that Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars used the 4.0 L (244 cu in) naturally aspirated 90-degree V8 engines but that time in 2000 Formula One were used the 3.0 L (183 cu in) naturally aspirated various bank angle V10 engines until end of 2005. Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars had up to 460 hp (343 kW) more compared to their Formula One counterparts, as early as in the 70s the cars had in excess of 1,000 hp. Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars having 460 hp (343 kW) on-demand; with F1 cars having around 600 hp to 850 hp during the 3.5L N/A engine (1989–94) era, around 700 hp to 1000 hp for final specs during the 3.0L N/A V10 (1995–2005) era, and around 740 hp to 840 hp during the 2.4L N/A V8 (2006–2013) era, and currently over 800 hp (2017 spec combustion engine alone) with an additional 160 hp from the electric motors from their 1.6L V6 turbo-hybrid-electro power unit.^[29][30] The turbo used mainly to improve the spectacle rather than lap-times with the so-called 'power-to-pass' or 'push-to-pass' system giving drivers an increased amount of power for a limited duration during the race. Another reason for retaining the turbocharger especially in Formula-1 is the muffling effect it has on the exhaust note, which helps keep the cars inside noise-limits, to meet FIA regulations and rules at the many city street races in European cities on the racing season schedule.

Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars used unleaded gasoline for fuel rather than leaded gasoline, and refuelling had always been banned during the race since 2012 season. This is a legacy of an incident at the second Hockenheimring race in 2008 that involving Markus Winkelhock due to fuel spill after over refuelling. Until 1994, when refuelling was re-introduced to F1 (and banned again from 2010 onwards), the coupling for the refuelling hose was a notable difference between Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars (canister refueler) and Formula cars (hose refueler). Refuelling were allowed in DTM from 2000 to 2011 seasons.

Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars has flat undersides to improve stability. F1 banned sculpted undersides in a bid to lower cornering speeds for 1983. In an effort to create better passing opportunities, the new spec Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars being introduced in 2012 will generate nearly 50% of the total downforce of the car with flat underside tunnels versus the front splitter and rear wing. This will reduce turbulent air behind the cars, enabling easier overtaking.

Unlike in F1, Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters teams were obliged to construct their own chassis for only main teams, and had tended to buy cars constructed by independent suppliers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-AMG. However Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters had essentially been a semi-spec series since 2006, with all teams favoring both Audi and Mercedes-Benz cars mainly because of Opel's withdrawal after 2005 season.

The Formula One car is a more expensive and technology-centric platform than a DTM car. This was even the case during the new coupé era since 2012 season. At this time global automotive manufacturers Audi, BMW and Mercedes-AMG vied for dominance. Since Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters's restructuring, a desire to keep costs down and the existence of two car manufacturer helped create a series with far more parity than Formula One in 2006.

For top speeds, Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars are slower than Formula One car in fact (DTM cars have 168 mph (270 km/h) in a normal tracks meanwhile Formula One cars have 225 mph (362 km/h) in a high-speed tracks such as Monza).

Since all DTM cars switched to turbocharged engines, the top speed of DTM is almost 190 mph (35 mph slower than Formula One car).

Further future of Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (GT3 Pro – 2021 and beyond)[]

As Super GT GT500-style "Class One" format retired after 2020 season, the series will adopt the GT3 Pro from 2021 season onwards.^[31] The engine format of new GT3 Pro will no longer mandated instead of free (displacement, shape, number of cylinders and injectors). As a result of GT3 Pro transition, the series will no longer utilize full-factory manufacturer entrants in order to save budgets. Michelin will served as official tyre partner despite GT3 Pro transition.

The race start format will no longer have standing start with a rolling start being implemented in place.^[32]

Scoring systems[]

This is the evolution of DTM points scoring system history since reborn.

2000

Position	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	8th	9th	10th
Points	20	15	12	10	8	6	4	3	2	1

2001

Points for short race
Position	1st	2nd	3rd
Points	3	2	1

Points for long race
Position	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	8th	9th	10th
Points	20	15	12	10	8	6	4	3	2	1

2002

Points for short race
Position	1st	2nd	3rd
Points	3	2	1

Points for long race
Position	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th
Points	10	6	4	3	2	1

2003–2011

Position	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	8th
Points	10	8	6	5	4	3	2	1

2012–2014

Position	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	8th	9th	10th
Points	25	18	15	12	10	8	6	4	2	1

2015–present

Points for both races
Position	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	8th	9th	10th
Points	25	18	15	12	10	8	6	4	2	1

Additionally, the top three placed drivers in qualifying also received points:

Qualifying Position	1st	2nd	3rd
Points	3	2	1

If in the case of a tie, DTM will determine the champion based on the most first-place finishes. If there is still a tie, DTM will determine the champion by the most second-place finishes, then the most third-place finishes, etc., until a champion is determined. DTM will apply the same system to other ties in the rankings at the close of the season and at any other time during the season.

Manufacturer representation[]

Make	2000–2003	2004–2005	2006	2007–2011	2012	2013	2014–2018	2019	2020	2021
Aston Martin								Vantage Turbo
Audi	TT	A4			A5	RS5		RS5 Turbo		R8 LMS GT3
BMW					M3		M4	M4 Turbo		M6 GT3
Ferrari										488 GT3 Evo
Honda								NSX-GT
Lamborghini										Huracán GT3 Evo
Lexus								LC500
McLaren										720S GT3
Mercedes-Benz	CLK	C-Class (W203)		C-Class (W204)	C-Coupe					Mercedes-AMG GT3
Nissan								GT-R
Opel	Astra	Vectra
Porsche										911 GT3 R

Champions[]

Season	Champion	Team	Champion's Car	Manufacturer's Champion
1984– 1996	See Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft
1997– 1999	not held
2000	Bernd Schneider	HWA Team	Mercedes-Benz	Mercedes-Benz
2001	Bernd Schneider (2)	HWA Team	Mercedes-Benz	Mercedes-Benz
2002	Laurent Aïello	ABT Sportsline	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
2003	Bernd Schneider (3)	HWA Team	Mercedes-Benz	Mercedes-Benz
2004	Mattias Ekström	ABT Sportsline	Audi	Audi
2005	Gary Paffett	HWA Team	Mercedes-Benz	Mercedes-Benz
2006	Bernd Schneider (4)	HWA Team	Mercedes-Benz	Mercedes-Benz
2007	Mattias Ekström (2)	ABT Sportsline	Audi	Audi
2008	Timo Scheider	ABT Sportsline	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
2009	Timo Scheider (2)	ABT Sportsline	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
2010	Paul di Resta	HWA Team	Mercedes-Benz	Mercedes-Benz
2011	Martin Tomczyk	Phoenix Racing	Audi	Audi
2012	Bruno Spengler	Schnitzer Motorsport	BMW	BMW
2013	Mike Rockenfeller	Phoenix Racing	Audi	BMW
2014	Marco Wittmann	Team RMG	BMW	Audi
2015	Pascal Wehrlein	HWA Team	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
2016	Marco Wittmann (2)	Team RMG	BMW	Audi
2017	René Rast	Team Rosberg	Audi	Audi
2018	Gary Paffett (2)	HWA Team	Mercedes-Benz	Mercedes-Benz
2019	René Rast (2)	Team Rosberg	Audi	Audi
2020	René Rast (3)	Team Rosberg	Audi	Audi

Broadcasters[]

DACH[]

ProSiebenSat.1 Media is currently owned the domestic DTM broadcasting rights from 2018 until 2021.^[33][34] Qualifying and race sessions is broadcast live on ran but Sat.1 only shows the race sessions. In Switzerland, the coverage also available on MySports through UPC.

outside DACH[]

Free-practices available worldwide via DTM official YouTube channel but for qualifying and race sessions only available for selected markets (including unsold) through OTT service DTM Grid.^[35]

Country/region	Broadcaster
Andorra	Automoto
France
Monaco
Australia	beIN Sports
show  MENA  Algeria  Bahrain  Chad  Comoros  Djibouti  Iran  Iraq  Jordan  Kuwait  Lebanon  Libya  Mauritania  Morocco  Oman  Palestine  Qatar  Somalia  Sudan  Syria  Tunisia  United Arab Emirates  Yemen
show Southeast Asia  Brunei  Cambodia  Indonesia  Laos  Malaysia  Philippines  Singapore  Thailand  Timor-Leste
show Balkans  Bosnia and Herzegovina  Croatia  Montenegro  North Macedonia  Serbia  Slovenia	Sport Klub
Belgium	Eleven Sports
Luxembourg
Poland
Canada	CBS SportsCBS	Motor Trend
United States
China	IQIYI
Czech Republic	Sport 5
Indonesia	Mola TV
Timor-Leste
Ireland	BT Sport
United Kingdom
Italy	DAZN
Japan	J Sports
Netherlands	Ziggo Sport
New Zealand	Three
Portugal	Sport TV
Romania	Sport Extra
Sweden	C More Sport
Turkey	S Sport
Bulgaria	Diema Sport

Bold indicates highlights only

^CBS Sunday races only.

See also[]

• List of Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters records
• Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (1984-1996)
• V8Star Series

References[]

External links[]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to DTM.

• Official website of the DTM
• Audi Sport
• AMG-Mercedes
• Opel Motorsport
• TouringCarTimes – DTM news