DTM 2015 – What Changes (or Doesn’t) This Season

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It was often criticized for the DTM’s very particular format in the world of touring. With only one race per weekend, it was the exception that proved the rule. This is no longer the case since the ITR and the manufacturers involved in the competition have decided to move to two races per weekend. Twice the spectacle, and perhaps twice the points to earn. Perhaps, because currently, it is not yet known how the points will be distributed, when the races will take place, and how the starting order for them will be established. In 2001 and 2002, the DTM had introduced two races per weekend, with a qualifying race followed by a main race.

Soft tires are no longer an option.

Introduced in 2013, the option tire is already bidding farewell. Participants and spectators found it difficult to understand the races with these tires, whose use was most complex. Only one set of option tires per weekend, usable in the race only, for less than 50% of the total distance… In short, a real German puzzle that no one will have to worry about anymore, as Hankook, the sole DTM manufacturer, will only supply two different compounds: the hard… and the wet (which can be useful).

24, here’s ART

Since 2012, Audi and BMW each field 8 cars in the DTM. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz has gradually increased its fleet. While there were only 6 C-Class models in 2012, then one more last season, the brand with the Star is finally meeting its commitments by matching its competitors. And the good news is that the new structure affiliated with the F1 world champion constructor is French! It is indeed ART Grand Prix, which will run two C-Class models this season, bringing the total number of cars to 24.

Everyone does what they like

It’s not new, the DTM likes to emulate F1. Therefore, it was almost logical to make the decision to allow drivers to choose their number. Only Marco Wittmann was deprived of this, but he will have the honor and privilege of carrying the champion’s number 1.

Bye Bye Hungary

A quick visit and then gone. After just one edition at the Hungaroring, the DTM will no longer visit Hungary, for now. All other 2014 dates are scheduled, including the traditional season opening and closing races at the Hockenheimring.

Audi plays continuity

The four-ring firm is known for its conservative side. Its 2015 lineup bears witness: no new driver is making an appearance at Audi, and all 2014 duos have been reformed. Abt Sportsline will rely on the dependable Mattias Ekström and Miguel Molina. Abt will continue with its French-speaking pair formed by Adrien Tambay and Edoardo Mortara. Phoenix Racing will have in its ranks two champions, Mike Rockenfeller and Timo Scheider. Finally, Jamie Green and Nico Müller will rejoin Rosberg.

BMW plays musical chairs

The situation is a bit different in Munich. BMW has indeed decided to part ways with Joey Hand, replaced by the promising Tom Blomqvist. However, the main changes have occurred internally, in team compositions. For example, there will be the explosive duo of Bruno Spengler and Timo Glock at MTEK. At Schnitzer, Martin Tomczyk will this time team up with Antonio Felix da Costa. RBM will continue its collaboration with Augusto Farfus Jr, supported by rookie Tom Blomqvist. On the other hand, you don’t change a winning team. The RMG team, reigning champion, understands this well and will once again rely on its strong man Marco Wittmann and Belgian Maxime Martin.

Radically Mercedes

After the incredible humiliation of 2014 (219 points, including two pointless weekends, far from the 411 points acquired by Audi in the same period), and its lackluster results since 2012 (always third and last in the manufacturers’ standings), Mercedes-Benz has decided to revise its approach.

Not only does the firm with the Star strengthen itself with the arrival of ART Grand Prix and an additional C-Class in its ranks, but it has also made the wise decision to forgo the services of Vitaly Petrov and hire young drivers Lucas Auer and Maximilian Götz. As for the lineup, HWA will do without Gary Paffett, now with ART Grand Prix alongside Lucas Auer, but with the quartet of Paul Di Resta, Pascal Wehrlein, Christian Vietoris, and Robert Wickens. Mücke Motorsport will include Daniel Juncadella and Maximilian Götz in its ranks.

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The ITR, the DMSB, and the manufacturers still need to address numerous points regarding the regulations adopted for the 2015 season. These should only come to light during the final pre-season tests, just a few weeks before the first event of the season. Still… the few new features already unveiled are enough to make us excited!