DTM: New race formats with two Championship rounds per weekend

In the 2015 season, DTM will provide the spectators a new race format with two races of equal value per weekend, thus becoming even more attractive for both the crowds on site and the TV audience. All the race meetings will feature a Championship round on Saturday and a second on Sunday, with full Championship points being awarded for both races. On both days, the drivers will have to contest a 20-minute qualifying session that will be crucial for the grid positions for the following race.

Nonetheless, there are differences between the Saturday and the Sunday races: the duration and the number of pit stops. On Saturday, the race will be over after 40 minutes plus a full lap, with tire changes not being obligatory. This means that a driver may cover the full race distance on one set of tires – but doing so will represent a special challenge. Meanwhile, the race duration on Sunday amounts to 60 minutes plus a full lap and a stop for a tire change is mandatory for every driver.

The new format will make its debut in the DTM season kick-off, from 30th April to 03rd May at Hockenheim.

Hans Werner Aufrecht, Chairman of DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V., stresses: “With two Championship rounds per weekend we provide the spectators twice as much of the things that count: more door-to-door battles, more thrilling decisions, and more fascinating motor racing. And we are convinced that the differing race formats will make for entertaining and thrilling races."