Photo: DTM

DTM changes race duration for the 2017 season

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The DTM will feature two 55-minute plus one lap races at each of the nine events this season, increasing track time and putting the teams’ strategies in the spotlight.

For the last two seasons, the series had featured a 40-minute plus one lap race on Saturday, and a 60-minute plus one lap race on Sunday, with only the latter mandating a pit stop.

With tyre partner Hankook’s new compound, offering more grip but also higher degradation, and limited to eight sets of slicks per driver per weekend, as well as the ban on tyre warmers and the reduction of pit stop staff, with only one wheel gun mechanic per side, series promoter ITR expects more strategic decisions, leading to more exciting races.

Florian Zitzlsperger, ITR board member, said: “The new race format encourages creative strategies and highly perfectioned sport from both teams and drivers. For the spectators, the DTM intends to offer an increased number of spectacular races and entertainment on both days of the race weekend.”

The free practice and qualifying sessions remain unchanged.

DTM RACING WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

Friday
– Free Practice 1: 30 minutes.

Saturday
– Free Practice 2: 30 minutes.
– Qualifying for Race 1: 20 minutes.
– Race 1: 55 minutes plus one lap.

Sunday
– Free Practice 3: 30 minutes.
– Qualifying for Race 2: 20 minutes.
– Race 2: 55 minutes plus one lap.