The first clash of Audi BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the 2016 DTM season is over. At the end of the long off-season, the only official tests offered the three manufacturers involved in DTM the first opportunity to lock horns, this year. Following the four intense days of testing, one thing can be taken for granted for the season kick-off that will be held at the same venue from 06th to 08th May: detecting a favourite is virtually impossible. A fact that even increases the excitement and pleasant anticipation for both fans and drivers in equal measure.
The 2016 DTM grid once again impresses with its remarkable quality: eight former DTM Champions, many established drivers and one rookie want to really go for it, this year. “50 percent of the field must be regarded as serious title contenders and everybody can win races,” says two-time DTM Champion Mattias Ekström (2004 und 2007). And the 2015 stats support this statement: 13 race winners in 18 races and more often than not, the gap between the pole-sitter and 24th position on the grid amounted to less than a second. “Here, the racing always is close and thrilling,” says former Formula One driver Timo Glock. “That’s a completely different kind of racing than in F1 where two or three drivers use to outclass the rest of the field.”
When the starting lights have been switched off on 07th May for the DTM season opener, the racing will be closer than in any other series in the world. To even underline this unique feature and emphasize the drivers’ skills even more, the regulations were honed once again: in the future, the allocation of the performance weights will be determined in the qualifying session and already used in the following race while the number of DRS activations has been limited. Those responsible and the drivers agree: “We want a series were the driver alone is the crucial factor in the battle for the race win,” says Ulrich Fritz, Head of the Mercedes-Benz DTM project, thus expressing the unanimous opinion of the entire paddock. “Everybody is supposed to start into the race on the virtually same technical level.”
But first of all, DTM keeps on relying on continuity, with no further regulation changes. The nine race weekends in Germany and abroad again will feature two races and two qualifying sessions. From traditional to state-of-the-art, from tight and winding to extremely fast – the 2016 calendar has got it all. And no matter where DTM is racing – attending the event to witness the DTM action live always is worth the trip. Even more so as the crowds also will be entertained by a top-class support programme. In the season kick-off at Hockenheim, for instance, the support programme even features a Word Rallycross Championship round.
In addition, the fans also will be provided quite a lot of entertainment aloof from the track. Promenading in the paddock always is worth while as you always have got good chances of meeting some of the drivers – and they nearly always will have time for a photo with you. Live concerts with national and international music stars, stunt shows, interviews and competition make sure that the visitors are perfectly entertained. A DTM race meeting truly is an event for the entire family – at reasonable prices. Tickets for the season kick-off at Hockenheim are available from €29, with the cheapest family weekend ticket including paddock access for two adults and two juveniles (up to and including 14 years) costs €105.
Press release DTM
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