The 2017 DTM for BMW Motorsport starts in Hockenheim

The 2017 DTM comeback for BMW Motorsport starts in Hockenheim Hockenheim (GER) this month. The touring car series kicks off this weekend with the first two races of the 18 that make up the 2017 season. BMW Motorsport will send six newly-developed BMW M4 DTMs in search of more success in the DTM. The squad of drivers is spearheaded by reigning champion Marco Wittmann (GER), who last year claimed the eighth title of a possible 15 for BMW since returning to the DTM in 2012. With new racing cars and a finely-honed format, the DTM once again promises to provide touring car racing of the highest quality in 2017.

The two BMW Teams, RMG and RBM, and their six drivers have an intense period of preparation behind them. The BMW M4 DTM, which was developed by BMW Motorsport, has proven itself and shown its great potential during tests, including Timo Glock’s (GER) fastest time at the grand finale of the preparations in Hockenheim at the start of April. Despite this, the pack will be shuffled once again at the season-opener on the 4.574-kilometre track. Traditionally, the first qualifying sessions and race provide the first real opportunity to assess the genuine balance of power with completely new cars.

The race cars are not the only things that are new for the 2017 DTM season. The same goes for many other areas. Softer tyres that degrade more quickly, a more efficient Drag Reduction System (DRS), and such details as a ban on heated tyre covers are among the innovations designed to ensure that greater emphasis is on the driver’s ability and that the fans are treated to even more action out on the track. As on the Sunday, Saturday’s race will now also feature a mandatory pit stop in 2017. Both races will last 55 minutes (+1 lap). Each of the three automobile manufacturers involved in the DTM will line up with six drivers.

Strict restrictions on radio communication between the team and drivers have also been enforced. The re-start in an Indianapolis-style, two-row grid formation after safety car phases also promises to add to the excitement. Use of the DRS system is limited to twelve laps (36 activations) in all races. Furthermore, points will be awarded to the top three positions in qualifying in 2017: the driver on pole position will receive three points, second place picks up two points, with one point going to the third-placed driver.

BMW Motorsport will send two works teams into battle, each with three drivers. Marco Wittmann is joined at BMW Team RMG by Augusto Farfus (BRA) and Timo Glock (GER). Bruno Spengler (CAN), Tom Blomqvist (GBR) and Maxime Martin (BEL) will have their sights set on top results for BMW Team RBM. Glock and Blomqvist’s cars will be run by combined crew consisting of RMG and RBM mechanics – BMW Team RMR.

BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt: “I think we are about to witness one of the most exciting DTM seasons ever. In many regards, the series set the course for a successful future over the winter – whether with the development of the new cars, changes to the regulations and format, or bringing a new man in at the top, in the form of Gerhard Berger. As such, we are all really looking forward to the first showdown in Hockenheim. Everything we saw at the tests counts for nothing now. 18 of the top drivers in the world will go head to head in racing cars generating over 500 hp – and in front of what are probably the very best touring car crowds. We are well prepared with the new BMW M4 DTM. Bring on the first two races of the year.”