Current-Spec GT3 Cars to Contest 2021 DTM Season

The DTM will allow current-spec GT3 cars to contest its 2021 season rather than having specially upgraded machinery as initially proposed.

Further details of the German series’ move from its current Class One structure to a GT-based championship were confirmed on Friday ahead of the 2020 title decider at Hockenheim.

A statement confirmed that next year’s DTM will include FIA GT3 cars of the same type found in various high-profile competitions around the world.

The original proposal to set the DTM apart from other GT3 series with more powerful cars appears to have been abandoned despite attracting interest from some teams.

By opening up the series to existing GT3 cars, the DTM hopes to draw a “wide variety of brands” from the large pool of participating manufacturers, many of which are not German.

Friday’s update included the confirmation of some technical and sporting elements, including a Balance of Performance to ensure competition between the different cars.

A success ballast initiative will also be deployed with the top three finishers in each race receiving 25, 18 and 15 kg handicaps for the next encounter.

The current format of two 55-minute races for solo professional drivers will be retained, while participants must hold either an International A or B race license.

The usage of anti-lock braking systems and traction control, plus the implementation of rolling starts, were also reiterated following their confirmation two weeks ago.

The DTM’s calendar for next year features nine rounds, five of which are outside Germany.

The season is set to start at Igora Drive in Russia in late May, subject to FIA approval, before heading to Monza in the middle of June.

One of the two proposed Monza dates clashes with the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 12-13.

The other tracks included on the schedule are the Norisring, Lausitzring, Zolder, Nürburgring, Red Bull Ring, Assen and Hockenheim.

Spa-Francorchamps will not return following its inclusion on the 2020 calendar, which needed to be heavily modified in reaction to the coronavirus pandemic.

The DTM also used its Friday press conference to provide an update on its separate DTM Electric series, which is due to launch in 2023.

2021 DTM Schedule
May. 28-30 – Igora Drive
Jun. 11-13 or Jun. 18-20 – Monza
Jul. 2-4 – Norisring
Jul. 23-25 – Lausitzring
Aug. 6-8 – Zolder
Aug. 20-22 – Nürburgring
Sep. 3-5 – Red Bull Ring
Sep. 17-19 – Assen
Oct. 1-3 – Hockenheim