DTM, Super GT Finalize Joint Class 1 Regulations

Photo: DTM

The organizers behind DTM and Super GT have presented the completed Class 1 technical regulations that will be brought in across the two series over the coming years.

Gerhard Berger, Chairman of DTM organizer ITR, and Masaaki Bandoh, Chairman of Super GT promoter GTA, were present at the Norisring on Saturday to make the announcement.

DTM will introduce the new Class 1 regs in 2019 while Super GT will adopt the formula in 2020 with slight modifications for the Japanese series’ endurance race format.

Plans, meanwhile, are in place for the two championships to hold their first joint races next year, with one event in Europe and another in Asia. 

While only DTM will feature the Class 1 cars, Balance of Performance will be used to equalize the DTM cars with the Super GT GT500 competitors.

The joint format will resemble that of DTM, with two sprint races without a driver change or refueling but with a mandatory full tire change.

“I want to thank Bandoh-san and all the peers that jointly worked on the new Class 1 regulations very much,” Berger said.

“I’m really happy about the fact that DTM and Super GT made a crucial step on the way to our goal: to jointly hold races.

“By the creation of these regulations we kept on pursuing our previous course consequently.

“Furthermore, we set the course for the future of DTM that will fully adopt the new regulations from 2019, thus remaining an attractive platform for the car manufacturers.”

The Class 1 formula focuses on standardized parts that will be produced and distributed in both Europe and Japan, which is aimed to reduce costs.

A two-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine will replace the current V8 power units seen in DTM, while the new engine will produce 620 horsepower, around 100 horsepower more than the current units.

“A milestone for international motor racing,” described Berger. “These regulations enable manufacturers and teams to participate in spectacular motor racing at reasonable costs on two continents – and thereby to reach many people.”

Bandoh added: “I would like to thank Mr Berger, DTM and Super GT manufacturers, and all concerned for your dedication to this project.

“As you can see from the great success of our show runs done in both Germany and Japan last year, our collaboration has been further deepened.”

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.