Accident data logger All current-generation vehicles have to be equipped with an accident data logger. The contenders are required to enable the Technical Stewards to read the standardized data loggers at any time.
Off they go After the standing start every driver looks for the best line
Classifications There are three annual classifications in the DTM. The title “DTM Champion” is awarded to the driver who has achieved the highest points score. The title “DTM Team Champion” is awarded to the team whose two drivers, in the aggregate, have scored the highest number of points. For the title “DTM Manufacturer Champion”, the six top drivers of a brand who finished a race in the top ten are counted.
DRS The Drag Reduction System (DRS) is a wing flap that allows a higher top speed to be achieved for a short time. As of the 2013 season this system is to make for better overtaking possibilities. The system is activated when, at the start and finish line, the gap to the preceding vehicle is less than two seconds. On the subsequent lap the system may be used once at any optional place on the race track and is automatically deactivated when the driver depresses the brake pedal. On the first three laps after the start or following a safety car period and on the last three laps before the finish DRS may not be used.
Mandatory pit stops Every DTM race includes two mandatory pit stops at which all four tyres have to be changed. Refuelling has no longer been permitted since the 2012 season.
Qualifying The qualifying format features a multistage mode. The drivers compete for their grid positions in four sessions. During the first run of the shoot-out all 22 drivers have 16 minutes to complete an optional number of fast qualifying laps. The quickest 14 contenders qualify for session two; the slowest four occupy grid positions 15 to 22. In the second session, the drivers have eleven minutes to set fastest times. The top eight move up into the third session while the others occupy grid positions nine to 14. In session three, the drivers are again given eleven minutes to do their laps. The slowest four occupy grid positions five to eight. The fastest four qualify for session four, the format of which differs from the first sessions. The top four consecutively compete in single timed runs consisting of an “out lap”, a “time lap” and an “out lap” and start in reverse order of the fastest times set in session three. The times set in the time laps determine grid positions one to four. The quickest driver in this session claims the pole position.
Points system Points for places one to ten of a DTM race are awarded according to the 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 system. There are no void results or additional points for the pole position or fastest race lap.
Qualifying The qualifying format features a multistage mode. The drivers compete for their grid positions in four sessions (Q1 to Q4). In Q1 of the “shoot-out” all 22 drivers have 16 minutes to complete an optional number of fast qualifying laps. The quickest 16 contenders qualify for session two; the slowest six occupy grid positions 17 to 22. In Q2 the drivers chase for fastest times in eleven minutes. The top ten move up into the third session while the others occupy grid positions eleven to 16. In Q3 the drivers are again given eleven minutes to do their laps. The slowest six occupy grid positions five to ten and the four quickest drivers qualify for the fourth session the format of which differs from the first sessions. The top four consecutively compete in single timed runs consisting of an “out lap”, a “time lap” and an “in lap” and start in reverse order of the fastest times set in session three. The times set in the time laps determine grid positions one to four. The quickest driver in this session claims the pole position.
Race interruption A DTM race is no longer stopped even in the case of serious incidents. The race is merely interrupted in such a way that the vehicles stop in a row behind the race leader in front of the finish line. The safety car is used to resume the race. It leads the racing cars around the track for one lap; at the end of this lap the race is opened again at the starting line and continued in the normal manner.
Safety car The manufacturers competing in the DTM take turns providing the safety car. It is used to avoid races being stopped. When the order to deploy the safety car is issued, all marshals wave yellow flags through the end of the safety car period, along with a sign saying “SC”. The safety car goes out on the track with its lights on and moves in front of the leading car. Overtaking is prohibited.
Innovation As of this season, in addition to the standard, there is also an option tyre from Hankook
Speed limit During the entire event the maximum permissible speed in the pit lane is 80 km/h. Exceptions apply to particularly narrow pit lanes like those at the Norisring, Zandvoort and Brands Hatch (each limited to 60 km/h).
Start The DTM uses standing start procedures. The starting grid lines up in offset rows. The start is preceded by a formation lap, which means that the racing cars drive one lap around the circuit in the order of the grid positions before the official race start. On the formation lap the drivers warm up their tyres and brakes to operating temperature. Overtaking is prohibited.
Tests The number of test days is limited in the DTM. Even taxi runs, camera runs and functional tests have to be registered with the DMSB.
Tyres Every driver, for the entire DTM race weekend, consisting of free practice, qualifying and the race, can only use a specified number of Hankook Ventus slicks and rain tyres. The tyres are allotted to the entrants by the Technical Stewards on the first day of the event (typically on Friday). A set of softer options tyres, which has to be used once, is available strictly for the race. After qualifying, the teams have to announce which of the two tyre types they want to start the race with.
