DTM has unveiled its strategy to move forward in the post-Class One era, with what it calls a ‘motorsport event platform with five pillars’, featuring the DTM championship as its main focus supported by esports, historic racing and a all-electric racing series.
According to DTM, this new strategy, it ‘provides fascinating and future-oriented motorsport that will thrill all generations and serves as a multi-faceted and innovative marketing and event platform for enterprises.’
The plans include the continuation of the GT4-based DTM Trophy, DTM Classic featuring historic race cars from DTM, DRM, Group C and Formula 1, an expanded DTM ESports program and DTM Electric, a fully electric support series. The centerpiece of this multi-faceted approach is the main DTM championship, which will convert to GT3 regulations starting in 2021.
“Motorsport and the mobility sector are in a transition phase,” said DTM boss Gerhard Berger. “Therefore, we are now implementing a progressive diversification of our series’ portfolio for a conscious future that combines the highest demands and innovative trends. We will maintain the DNA of the legendary DTM with fascinating wheel-to-wheel motorsport.
“Traditional motorsport for young and old will remain a fixed element of the DTM platform, from the DTM Trophy via Classic races to DTM Esports. As a separate race series, the innovative and fully-electric DTM Electric is to be added in the near future.
All in all, it is a strong package with five high-quality elements with which we will lead the DTM platform into a multi-faceted future.”
All-electric support series set for 2023 debut
DTM is pressing on with plans for an all-electric support series in cooperation with automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler.
The series, named DTM Electric, has been conceptualised as an independent series with a prospective debut set for 2023.
Plans for DTM Electric include sprint races with a duration of roughly 30 minutes. Like the original concept study, which was shown in 2019, DTM has indicated the possibility of automated battery changes during the mandatory pitstop.
An initial demonstration vehicle, providing a glimpse into DTM’s future, was shown at a press event prior to the 2020 DTM season finale at the Hockenheimring in Germany.
DTM Trophy
The GT4-based DTM Trophy will continue into the coming years and will take on an increased developmental role, acting as a possible stepping stone for young drivers to access the main DTM series.
The two 30-minute plus one lap sprint races will continue to be held immediately after the main DTM races on race weekends. An additional round has been added to the schedule for 2021, with the championship now acting as the DTM’s support package on seven race weekends.
Like the main series, Success Ballast will also be introduced into the DTM Trophy starting in 2021. 25 kilograms will be added to the winner’s car for the following race, with 18 kilograms added to second place and 15 kilograms to third place.
The DTM Trophy series was first held in 2020, with Tim Heinemann picking up the inaugural title in a season that also featured a guest appearance from Toyota Gazoo Racing factory driver Jose Maria Lopez.
Six historic support events in 2021
In addition to the DTM Trophy, the DTM support package will also feature a number of historic racing events throughout the year.
DTM has partnered with the Automobilclub von Deutschland (AvD) to run these events. AvD is known for organising the AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, one of Europe’s premier historic racing events.
“We are delighted to support the DTM in the ongoing development of the Tradition element and to organise races and demonstrations with original historic machinery from DTM, DRM and ITC, as well as Formula 1 and Group C,” says Lutz Leif Linden, AvD secretary general.
A total of six classic events have been added to DTM’s calendar. This is made up of three Classic demonstration events and three externally organised Classic races.
These events will historic DTM machinery, as well as cars from the DRM series from the 1970s and 1980s, Group C prototypes and historic Formula One cars.
Finally, DTM has placed an increased focus on Esports after introducing a number of Esports events during the pandemic-induced break earlier this year.
In 2021, the series will present at least seven internationally oriented events featuring world-leading sim racers. In addition, at least one digital competition has been planned as an on-side event during DTM weekends.
project.
