The organisers of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters have revealed the new race weekend format for 2015, which will feature two qualifying sessions, a 40 minute race on Saturday and a 60 minute race on Sunday.
DTM organisers ITR e.V. revealed in 2014 that the series was to undergo a format revamp in 2015, but neglected to provide any more specific information, aside from a two-race per weekend format. Now, bosses have also confirmed that there will be two qualifying sessions and races of different lengths.
Full championship points will be awarded for both races, which will be broadcast to live TV audiences. Whilst there is now more racing, qualifying has been shortened in order to compensate, with a 20-minute session taking place before the race on each respective day. Unlike in other major touring car championships, grid positions will not be determined by race finishing positions.
There will also be differences in the races, which will require different strategies. Saturday’s 40-minute race plus a full lap will not feature mandatory pitstops for a tyre change, presenting an additional challenge to the drivers and teams in terms of tyre management. Sunday’s longer race will require an obligatory pitstop as has been the case in previous seasons.
Hans Werner Aufrecht, Chairman of DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V., believes the new format will offer fans more excitement at the races.
“With two championship rounds per weekend we provide the spectators twice as much of the things that count: more door-to-door battles, more thrilling decisions, and more fascinating motor racing. And we are convinced that the differing race formats will make for entertaining and thrilling races.”