DTM enters new era at Hockenheim this weekend

There is no doubt a new era for the DTM as the season starts this weekend with new technical regulations, new drivers and new cars from Audi, BMW and Mercedes.
“The new DTM era with new Technical Regulations and Germany’s three premium manufacturers united in a championship event – that’s something the fans can really look forward to,” said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport.

The main two new features for the season is firstly the new technical regulations where the costs have been cut, the safety has been increased and the aerodynamics have been reduced in order to provide better racing.

The second new feature is the return of BMW. The German manufacturer has been away from the championship since 1992 when touring car legend Johnny Cecotto was the top BMW driver with the legendary BMW M3 E30 in fourth position of the drivers’ championship.
“BMW has always enjoyed a close association with touring car racing – and that will remain the case in the future. Our success story is closely connected with BMW M and the DTM, in which we have already celebrated victories and titles. For that reason, we are putting the focus on the BMW M3 DTM. You can feel that everyone in the company is really looking forward to the season’s 11 events,” said Jens Marquardt, Head of BMW Motorsport.

BMW ended their programme in a strong way in 1992 with a double victory at Hockenheim, the very place for their return this weekend. One of the drivers to represent BMW in their return at Hockenheim is reigning champion and former Audi driver Martin Tomczyk.
“It is a good feeling and great motivation to go into the season as champion. In 2011 I was still the hunter. Now everyone wants to take the number 1 back off me. It is an exciting situation. I will be going all out to make it as difficult as possible for my rivals,” said Tomczyk.

While BMW were successful at Hockenheim 20 years ago, Mercedes is the top dog at the track with victories in 31 out of 64 races.
“Over a quarter of a century, Mercedes-Benz has been the most successful manufacturer in the DTM. In figures, a total of 165 victories from 342 races, ten driver titles, nine manufacturer titles and 13 in the team championship, encapsulate the achievements of our teams over the past 24 years. We will all work on the new chapter of this success story with focus and the highest motivation,” said Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes Motorsport.

While the cars are completely new ahead of this season, Audi is still the manufacturer with the best results last year after claiming both the drivers’ and teams’ title. Mattias Ekström finished as runner-up in 2011 and is keen to give the new Audi A5 DTM a flying start.
“After working so long on developing a new car it’s nice to finally drive races and to see how quick it is. The competition is going to be tougher than ever this year, which makes it even more attractive to be able to perform well. My goal is no doubt a top place in 2012 as well,” said Ekström.

Another change for 2012 is a new points system, the very same system that Formula One uses, starting at 25 and then 18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1. And for the first time since 2005, cars from three manufacturers will fight for the points.
“I am really looking forward to the new season. Everybody knows about BMW’s heritage in motorsport, and therefore, I am sure that we will have great and entertaining battles between the three premium manufacturers on the track. It was great to see how close the three manufacturers worked together in the development of the new technical regulations. Surely a unique thing to date,” said Hans Werner Aufrecht, chairman of the organizing body ITR.

Action of the DTM 2012 premiere starts on Friday with practice at 10.15. Qualifying will be held on Saturday at 13.40, with the race on Sunday at 14.03.

Audi, BMW or Mercedes? Where are your predictions?

DTM 2012 – Entry List

No – Driver – Manufacturer

1 Martin Tomczyk BMW
2 Joey Hand BMW
3 Mattias Ekström Audi
4 Timo Scheider Audi
5 Jamie Green Mercedes-Benz
6 Ralf Schumacher Mercedes-Benz
7 Bruno Spengler BMW
8 Dirk Werner BMW
9 Mike Rockenfeller Audi
10 Miguel Molina Audi
11 Gary Paffett Mercedes-Benz
12 Christian Vietoris Mercedes-Benz
15 Andy Priaulx BMW
16 Augusto Farfus BMW
17 Rahel Frey Audi
18 Adrien Tambay Audi
19 David Coulthard Mercedes-Benz
20 Robert Wickens Mercedes-Benz
21 Edoardo Mortara Audi
22 Filipe Albuquerque Audi
23 Roberto Merhi Mercedes-Benz
24 Susie Wolff Mercedes-Benz