DTM management reviews regulations

For this second season of the GT3 era, the DTM decided to review its racing regulations to make the competition even more “ attractive ". " Since the end of last season, we have worked intensively at all levels with the aim of optimizing the rules, explains Frederic Elsner, director of events and operations of the DTM. Based on the experience from the previous season and suggestions from our team and our new race director Scot Elkins, we reviewed all topics and worked to make the necessary changes. Fans will also benefit as the changes not only ensure more action, but also more transparency."

Starting this season, only two mechanics on each side of the car will be allowed to intervene during pit stops. They will first have to change the rear tires before moving on to the fronts making the pit stop " safer, but also fairer, whatever the characteristics of the car »

The window for performing the mandatory shutdown has also been changed. Passage through the stands can only be made between the 10^e and 40^e minutes of racing indicates the new regulations. Now drivers have the right to stop during Safety Course or Full Course Yellow procedures. However, the team can only accommodate one car per round.

After an intervention by the safety car, the driver leading the race will no longer be able to restart the race. The task will be led by the DTM race director who will decide when to give the starting signal authorizing the drivers to race and overtake themselves.

Regarding sanctions, any driver having received 3 penalties will have to move back 5 places during the next race, 10 after 5 penalties and will be suspended for one race after 6 penalties. The new regulations also prohibit team orders in order to avoid any influence on the race and to force drivers to achieve the best possible result with their own means. In the event of an infraction, exclusion from the championship could be pronounced. This decision comes following the numerous instructions which allowed Maximilian Götz to be crowned in 2021 after a “crazy comeback” during the last round at the Norisring in October.

For this 2022 season, the organizers have also decided to credit the best lap in the race with one point. Regarding the tire allocation, each driver will have 5 sets of new tires during the first race weekend in Portimão (April 29-1^e May) and 4 in the following rounds. The ballast carried by the winner and the 2^e will be 25 and 15 kilos respectively while the 3^e will only take 5 on board.

Finally, the BoP (balance of performance) can be adapted “ if necessary » in order to have a better balance, even during the season, indicates the DTM in its new regulations.

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