The DTM revealed its full calendar for 2024 last month, that includes 16 races throughout eight occasions in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, however left the door open for a further “European occasion exterior of Germany.”
The ADAC had requested the groups in an internet survey what number of rounds they need within the DTM subsequent 12 months and the place the deliberate 2024 further spherical ought to happen.
One fascinating avenue that has emerged is Nordschleife, a venue that was critically thought-about by the DTM’s earlier proprietor ITR following the collection’ change from Class 1 to GT3 automobiles.
Manthey managing director Nicki Raeder is main the push so as to add the 25.3km circuit to the calendar, saying it will be an enormous asset for the DTM.
Raeder believes the present energy wrestle over internet hosting the Nurburgring 24 Hour traditional and the NLS collection may pave the best way for the DTM to return to the legendary observe for the primary time since 1993.
“I wish to see that occur,” stated Raeder. “It is going to be tough, however I do not suppose it is unattainable. And I feel there are some issues taking place proper now you can see as a chance for it.
“When one thing goes badly, individuals are extra open.
“What is going on on the Nurburgring is actually a catastrophe for the game. I hope that it is going to be settled as rapidly as potential and that folks will discover their method again to one another and are available to an association.
“However because it’s tough to search out contributors across the Nordschleife proper now, I can think about that they’re going to discover a strategy to make it work. The second one thing goes badly, individuals are extra open to alter.”
Thomas Preining, Manthey EMA Porsche 911 GT3-R
Photograph by: Alexander Trienitz
The ADAC itself says the Nordschleife is an choice for the DTM, however burdened that there are main challenges that must be overcome to make the race a actuality.
“From a purely driving perspective, the Nordschleife is at all times an choice,” stated ADAC motorsport director Thomas Voss. “If I say we’re racing on the Nordschleife, they’d in all probability applaud me.
“[But] the programme there may be full, and apart from, a dash race with just below 30 automobiles is senseless for the spectators.”
Voss added that monetary and logistical effort for the TV manufacturing can be “an enormous difficulty with 4 or 5 laps most”, except it ran as a help race for the Nurburgring 24 Hours.
Furthermore, Voss believes the thought of a DTM occasion on the Nordschleife hasn’t been given a correct thought, as drivers must come into the pits to refuel in the event that they plan on holding a race longer than 4 laps.
Refuelling within the DTM has been banned on security and value grounds.
“Everybody would then must run round in fireproof clothes, you want refuelling services, as a result of when you do a efficiency pitstop, then you must use it for refuelling,” he added.
Voss additionally identified that the GT3 automobiles should be tailored for the distinctive calls for of the Nordschleife, one thing which HRT staff boss Ulrich Fritz additionally reiterated.
“They’ve totally different wings, a minimal journey top, are extraordinarily trimmed in efficiency and run on improvement tyres,” defined Fritz. “I can already say, if it rains, it is no enjoyable to drive on the Nordschleife with DTM tyres.”
Fritz expressed his help for a DTM occasion at Nordschleife, however he questions whether or not it will be proper for a dash collection working GT3 automobiles.
Luca Stolz, Mercedes-AMG Staff HRT Mercedes-AMG GT3
Photograph by: Alexander Trienitz
“That is why we principally have sympathy for it and all the pieces is conceivable,” he stated. “However my private opinion is that Nordschleife is endurance racing and this extremely aggressive topic must be reserved for the 24-hour race there.
“In fact, it is cool at Manthey – I feel it is cool too. However does a Timo Bernhard, who does not normally drive there, additionally suppose it is cool?
“We [at HRT] would have a large head begin [because of our experience in Nurburgring 24 Hours].
“I might have discovered it cool with Class 1 as a result of these have been different automobiles. However I do not know if the following GT3 collection has to race on the Nordschleife now.”