DTM to test new qualifying format

Le DTM will innovate. On the occasion of the Norisring round (from July 1 to 3), fourth stage of the 2022 season, the GT3 championship will divide its peloton into two groups. The aim is to offer every driver the opportunity to complete a clear lap on the 2,3km street circuit based in Nuremberg.

“Fair conditions are the aim of this exception, underlines Frederic Elsner, director of events and operations of the DTM. Due to the rich problem of the high number of cars, we were forced to separate them. With this format, each driver will benefit from the best possible conditions to achieve fast times on this short circuit. Reversing the order of the two groups for the second qualification on Sunday guarantees fairness. Spectators can expect an open, unfettered battle for pole position. »

The procedure will be as follows: at the start of the event, the peloton will be divided into two qualifying groups (A and B), on the basis of the points in the drivers' classification valid at that time, and will no longer be modified for the qualifying sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Drivers in odd positions in the championship will be in group A, those in even positions in group B. On Saturday morning, group A will first complete the 20 minutes of qualifying A, followed by qualifying B of a duration identical after a five-minute break. The drivers with the best time from each group will start from the front row while the driver with the best time, as usual, will start from the pole position side and the drivers from their group will line up behind him. The championship points usually awarded for qualifying (3, 2 and 1) will, as usual, be awarded from first to third place on the grid.

For the second qualifier on Sunday, the order will change with Group B starting first, followed by Group A.

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