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DTM-Start-Heute: New Era of German Touring Car Masters Commences in Anniversary Season The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) has officially launched its new season at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben in Germany, marking the commencement of the championship’s 40th anniversary year. The opening round, featuring two races across the weekend, sets the stage for what is anticipated to be one of the most intensely competitive seasons since the series adopted the GT3-based regulations. The action began in earnest today, confirming the DTM’s status as a premier international racing platform. The 2024 grid fields 20 cars representing seven different manufacturers—a robust and diverse turnout that underscores the health and appeal of the German-based touring car spectacle. Under the stewardship of the ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club), the series enters its latest chapter with a focus on close competition and fan engagement. The Challenge of Oschersleben The Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, a challenging 3. 696-kilometre circuit known for its tight, technical infield and long straights, served as the traditional curtain-raiser. Located in the Magdeburger Börde region of Saxony-Anhalt, the circuit is often regarded by drivers as one of the most demanding venues on the calendar, requiring precision and discipline from the outset. The format, consistent with recent DTM seasons, saw drivers take part in two full championship races—one on Saturday and one on Sunday—each preceded by a dedicated qualifying session. The competitive nature was immediately evident during the initial sessions, with lap times clustered closely together, signalling that victory margins would be minimal throughout the campaign.
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The series is built around the strict technical parity of GT3 machinery, incorporating performance adjustments (Balance of Performance, or BoP) to ensure all seven marques—including Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Audi, and McLaren—can vie for race wins. This engineering complexity adds a crucial layer of strategy for the eleven teams competing for both the Drivers' and Teams' championships. Title Defence and New Rivalries All eyes are firmly fixed on the title defence efforts of Austrian driver Thomas Preining, who secured the championship last season driving the Manthey EMA Porsche 911 GT3 R. Preining, racing with the prestigious number 91, faces a significant challenge from a highly decorated field, including several former champions. Joining Preining at Manthey EMA is new teammate Ayhancan Güven, a highly-rated Turkish driver who is expected to mount a strong internal challenge. "It means a great deal to me to contest the DTM's 40th anniversary season as reigning champion," Preining stated ahead of the first weekend. "We are in a very good position for the first race, but the competition is incredibly tough. " The strongest opposition is expected to emerge from the BMW camp. Schubert Motorsport continues its formidable presence with a trio of top-tier drivers: three-time DTM champion René Rast, former series winner Marco Wittmann, and 2022 champion Sheldon van der Linde. Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, emphasised the value of continuity and partnership heading into the season.
"We are very pleased to have our long-standing BMW M Motorsport partners by our side in the DTM season," he commented. "Without their support, successful race participation in a highly competitive championship like the DTM would not be possible. We look forward to further successes with our strong partners. " Industry Commitment and Economic Impact The launch of the DTM season is not only a sporting event but also a significant economic and technological showcase, particularly for German automotive engineering firms. Major partners, including sponsors like Schaeffler and Shell, reiterated their long-term commitment to the series, highlighting the DTM’s relevance as a high-speed test bed for road technology. Matthias Zink, CEO of Automotive Technologies at Schaeffler AG, views the championship as a crucial platform for innovation. “Motorsport has long been part of our DNA at Schaeffler. The race track is the test lab for the series,” Zink explained. “The dynamic, competitive environment of the DTM provides the perfect platform for this. We approach the new season optimistically.
” Beyond the technical aspect, the return of the DTM season is a major boost for fan engagement and regional tourism. The series’ history is a key element of the celebratory atmosphere, with organisers planning to honour the "40 years of DTM" heritage throughout the eight-round calendar, which includes classic venues like the Norisring city circuit and the season finale at the Hockenheimring in October. Nicolas Raeder, Managing Director of Manthey Racing GmbH, encapsulated the collective ambition across the paddock, stating: “Our expectation is of course to fight for the championship again in this field and be competitive. I think the lineup for the upcoming DTM season is very strong and I expect the competition to become even tougher as the season progresses. ” Outlook With a stacked grid, intense manufacturer rivalries, and the historical weight of its 40th year, the DTM season begins under clear skies of high expectation. The results from Oschersleben are set to provide the first true indication of the competitive hierarchy for the year, confirming the series' enduring appeal as a fiercely contested sprint championship. The season promises a high degree of unpredictability as teams and drivers adapt to the dynamic demands of the GT3 era. The video below offers a look at the spectacular racing the DTM delivered in its previous season. Mind-Blowing Overtakes in DTM Season 2024.
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