DTM in 2017 brings new concept and faster cars

Traditionally, the Hockenheimring will host the opening round of DTM championship which will feature many new things in 2017.

Less number of cars on the grid

The biggest change is reduced number of cars. Before the end of the previous season, it was announced that 18 cars will be on the grid instead of 24. Each of three manufacturers will be represented with 6 cars, prepared by 6 teams. Team RBM and Team RMG will field three BMW M4 DTM cars each after Team MTEK and Team Schnitzer ceased their DTM operations. Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline, Team Phoenix, and Team Rosberg each will prepare Audi RS5 DTM cars, while all of six Mercedes-AMG C63 DTMs will be prepared by the HWA Team after the Mucke Motorsport and the ART Grand Prix were pulled out of the series due to the reduction of cars number.

Marco Wittmann will try to defend his DTM crown

New race format and faster cars

The race schedule is slightly changed but the home venues of all nine rounds are the same as in the previous season. The Hockenheimring again will host the season-opening round, as well as the final round in October. If the host venues remained the same, race format has changed. Instead of 40 minutes race on Saturday and 60 minutes race with mandatory pit-stop on Sunday, this season features two 55 minutes races, both with mandatory pit-stop.

2017 DTM calendar

Another important change is that the cars will be much faster than previously. For the first time ever all DTM cars will use a hybrid system to improve overtaking. The engine power of all cars is increased to 500 bhp and after five years rear wing of all DTM cars has been changed back from a single-element plane wing to a dual-element plane wing. Softer but less durable new tires are also introduced what could be a bit tricky for all drivers.

Audi RS5 DTM during preseason at Portimao

Well known faces are still here

DTM is one of the most competitive series, so it is very hard to make early predictions, especially after so many changes.The reigning champion Marco Wittmann in BMW will defend his crown and will try to climb to the throne for the third time in his career. Another former champion and BMW driver, Bruno Spengler, also will try to repeat the success he achieved in 2012.

Two-time champion Mattias Ekstrom and Jamie Green probably will be Audi’s striking force, but ’The Four rings’ also have another former champion, Mike Rockenfeller. Finally, the Mercedes struggled a bit in the previous season and they are ready to strike back, encouraged by the arrival of 2016 vice-champion Edoardo Mortara from Audi. The Stuttgarters also have two former champions in their squad – Paul Di Resta and Gary Paffett.

Edoardo Mortara will try to push Mercedes forward

Many drivers, including former champions Timo Scheider and Martin Tomczyk, left the series when the number of cars was decreased. In 2017 Loic Duval will be the only newcomer to the series while Maro Engel returns to DTM after six years.

2017 DTM entry list

Photo: dtm.com