DTM – Technical modifications to increase the importance of driving

The organizers of the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) have detailed the technical regulations for the 2018 season. The motto is to restore a preponderant place to the talent of the pilot in relation to the aerodynamic or strategic factor, two elements which have tended to influence the progress of the races in recent editions.

Aesthetically, the cars will be lightened with aerodynamic elements. Goodbye to the deflector stairs on the front shield, now make way for a single, smaller fin. On the sides the vertical panel is removed, as are the two fins (see the BMW M4 graphic below). At the rear, the bumper is much smoother than its predecessor. Result, the support of BMW, Audi and others Mercedes will fall by a third compared to last year. It is also expected to note an increase in maximum speeds on certain circuits.

Part three: the downforce of the 2018 #BMW M4 #DTM has been reduced by one third. As a result, there is now even more focus on the drivers. pic.twitter.com/paWPFsUEz2

- BMW Motorsport (@BMWMotorsport) 28th February 2018

More excitement for the 2018 #DTM season: part one of the aerodynamic changes to the #BMW M4 DTM. pic.twitter.com/zzzgdBhBgn

- BMW Motorsport (@BMWMotorsport) 28th February 2018

Second size change, lowering the minimum weight, including the driver. He now weighs 1 kilos. The space allocated to the engine bay has been expanded and teams will now be able to hire an additional mechanic for pit stops.

Finally, the addition of a round at Brands Hatch (Great Britain) pushed the organizers to change the situation on the engines allocated per season. “We have ten meetings, instead of nine in 2017,” says Michael Bernard, head of the technical department for the DTM. With an additional 450 to 500 km this year, we have opted for an increase in engine allocation. Manufacturers will no longer be entitled to seven blocks, but to eight engines per year for their six cars. »

The other modifications made during last season, such as the “Indianapolis 500 Miles” type restarts, have been approved. The official tests will take place in Hockenheim (Germany) from April 9 to 12, before the first round on the same circuit, on May 5 and 6.