The DTM has a grid of 29 GT3 vehicles, one of the largest in its history and the largest in recent years. A situation that is a real blessing for ITR after betting on the GT3 regulations, but that at Norisring is a problem. The urban track located in Nuremberg is only 2.3 kilometers long, so it seems really difficult to dispute a classification without the traffic being a real problem when all 29 cars are on track simultaneously.
To prevent any complications that may occur, ITR as promoter of the DTM has chosen to modify the sports regulations and adjust the format of the weekend to the conditions of the grid. In this sense, the DTM will have a qualifying session divided into two groups at the Norisringthus halving the number of vehicles present on the circuit at the same time. An exception to the normal ranking format of the DTM that has a total duration of 20 minutes and that is held in a single qualifying group.
Thus, the aim is for the 29 drivers that make up the DTM grid to be able to seek the fastest times without being disturbed by other participants.. In this sense, ITR has announced that the qualifying format will be valid for both Saturday and Sunday and on both days the division of the drivers between the qualifying groups will be identical. An ITR spokesperson explained that the drivers who occupy an odd position in the DTM general will go to Group A, while those who are in an even place will fight in Group B.
Although after Saturday’s race there will be changes in the classification, groups will not be altered and will be fixed by the positions of the classification prior to the event for both days. Of course, to try to offer the greatest possible equity to all drivers and teams, andThe order of qualifying groups will be changed from Saturday to Sundayso Group A will open the track on Saturday, but its drivers will take to the asphalt in second place on Sunday after qualifying for Group B.
Of course, the format is not as simple as it may seem at first glance. The pilots of the two qualifying groups will enjoy 20 minutes on the track, drawing a short break of five minutes between sessions. The fastest driver in each group will start in the front rowwithout there being a combined time table. The ‘poleman’ will choose the side of the peloton in which he wants to start and the riders in his group will line up in order of time behind him. The 3-2-1 points to the three fastest drivers will be shared equally.
Photos: DTM