The DTM has unveiled the regulations for its switch to GT3-based machinery starting from the 2021 championship, as well as the provisional calendar for the first season under the new regulations.
DTM will be abandoning its current Class One regulations in favor of a GT3-based approach. This change was brought about by a dwindling manufacturer base over the last number of years, with Mercedes-AMG, Aston Martin and Audi all leaving the sport and leaving only BMW.
Starting in 2021, DTM will be running sportscars based on the global GT3 regulations. In doing so, the series hopes to attract a greater number of manufacturers. A significant number of global manufacturers currently build a GT3 car.
The list of manufacturers includes Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Corvette (Callaway), Ferrari, Honda, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes, Nissan and Porsche. Prospective LMH manufacturer Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus has also been interested in running with its bespoke 004C.
As confirmed previously, driver aids like anti-lock braking systems and traction control remain admitted and the standing start will be abandoned in favor of a two-by-two rolling start.
The cars running under the new DTM format will also be subject to an independent Balance of Performance system, as well as Success Ballast. This system will be similar to the approach currently used in the FIA WEC’s GTE Am category. The top three drivers in a race will receive a weight penalty of 25, 18 and 15 kilograms respectively for the following round.
Unlike many other global GT3-based series, DTM’s GT format will not feature driver changes. Instead, it will retain the current format, with a single driver per car competing in two sprint races of 55 minutes plus one lap each.
Nine-weekend schedule, kick-off at St.Petersburg
The series also revealed its provisional 2021 schedule, with nine race weekends held in six different countries.
Russia’s new Igora Drive facility in St. Petersburg is slated to open the season on May 28-30, although it is subject to approval from the FIA.
Monza is set to host the second weekend. The Italian circuit was originally slated to make its debut in 2020 before plans were thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Formula One venue’s DTM debut is set for either June 11-13 or June 18-20.
The championship then visits four returning venues in the form of Norisring (July 2-4), Lausitzring (23-25 July), Zolder (August 6-8), and the Nürburgring (August 20-22).
Austria’s Red Bull Ring returns to the schedule after a two-year absence with a scheduled round on September 3-5, followed by Assen on September 17-19. The season finale is held at Hockenheim on October 1-3.
Spa-Francorchamps, which held the season opener in 2020, will not return to the schedule. The same goes for Brands Hatch. Anderstorp, which was slated to join in 2020, has also been dropped.
