Focus of the DTM to shift to Germany as the brand essence in 2023. ADAC using synergies for new, top-class motorsport platform. ADAC GT Masters will start as part of the new DTM Endurance.
Under the umbrella of the DTM from 2023, the DTM will line up at the forefront of a strong German motorsport platform. Having acquired the trademark rights for the DTM, the ADAC is using synergies to create future-oriented and sustainable structures for the top classes on the circuit racing scene. On the way to introducing synthetic fuels in the future, the DTM will use an environmentally friendly and innovative fuel from Shell, made from 50% renewable components, as part of a new sustainability concept. The DTM’s tried-and-tested concept of one driver per car remains. The calendar consists of eight rounds and sees the series focus on Germany as the essence of the brand, without sacrificing outings at internationally-renowned circuits. The 2023 DTM season will be available to watch on free-to-air TV, thanks to a strong TV partner.
ADAC Sport President Dr. Gerd Ennser: “The DTM is highly regarded internationally and enjoys an excellent reputation across borders – however, the heart of the DTM beats in Germany. It was of great concern to us, shortly after acquiring the trademark rights, to allow the teams to plan with certainty. In achieving this, it was important to focus on the core market. The ADAC is taking on a great legacy and will continue to organise the DTM, with its cross-country appeal, as a strong international brand on the European motorsport scene. With sustainable and future-oriented structures, we are creating a strong platform for German motorsport.”
Sporting focus
The DTM will continue to form the spearhead for professionals in the future. The ADAC is continuing with the successful concept of the DTM and will retain the characteristics that have made the DTM brand so special for just short of 40 years. The format remains the same, with one driver per car and two races per event. The tyre changes also remain a crucial factor in the outcome of the races, with teams battling for every fraction of a second during the high-performance pit stops. Premium manufacturer and Formula 1 supplier Pirelli will provide the standard tyres from 2023. The recognised car grading of the SRO Motorsports Group will ensure equal opportunity within the field.
Sustainability now plays a crucial role in the DTM. The innovative and renewable fuel from Shell, which was successfully utilised in the ADAC GT Masters in 2022, will also be used in the DTM from 2023. The “Bottle-Free Zone” initiative, launched in cooperation with BWT, will help reduce plastic waste in the paddock. As series organiser, the ADAC will make any economically relevant decisions for the teams. Significant measures to reduce budgets are also planned for competitors.
The calendar
The opening round of the 2023 DTM also sees the series return to Motorsport Arena Oschersleben in Saxony-Anhalt for the first time for eight years. The first outing abroad awaits the drivers four weeks later. After a five-year absence, the DTM will again line up at the Formula 1 circuit in Zandvoort. The races on the Dutch North Sea coast are followed by one of the highlights of the season: the drivers will battle it out for two particularly prestigious victories at the Norisring, the unique street circuit in Nuremberg. Four weeks after the spectacle in Franconia, the DTM moves on to the Nürburgring, before calling at the DEKRA Lausitzring two weeks later. The return to the Sachsenring promises to be a spectacular one. For the first time in 20 years, the DTM drivers will be put to the test on the demanding, undulating track in Hohenstein-Ernstthal. The Sachsenring race weekend in early September is the start of the business end of the season. The mountains are calling at the Red Bull Ring. The alpine rollercoaster hosts the penultimate round of the season. In keeping with tradition, the finale will take place at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg, where the 2023 DTM champion will be crowned. The 2023 DTM calendar does not clash with GT World Challenge Europe or the big 24-hour races, creating synergy effects for all the teams.
ADAC GT Masters remains unchanged
In the future, the ADAC GT Masters will start as part of the new DTM Endurance. Under this guise, and within the framework of the DTM, the GT3 cars from the ADAC GT Masters will line up at six or seven events together with the sports cars from the Prototype Cup Germany. The ADAC is currently in positive talks with the ACO to finalise details. As well as the new DTM Endurance, ADAC GT4 Germany, the BMW M2 Racing Cup and the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland will also be integral components of the DTM programme.