Drivers urge DTM to adopt DRS and option tyres for 2013
The DTM should waste no time in introducing Formula 1-style option tyres and a DRS, according to a number of top drivers in the series
Both concepts were extensively evaluated at this week's four-day official test at Barcelona, ahead of a board meeting of series promoter the ITR at which a vote will be taken on whether to adopt the concepts this year or to wait until 2014.
Option Hankooks give greater performance than the rubber used in the championship since last year, but for a shorter period of time, thereby reintroducing a tactical element to racing that disappeared along with the banning of refuelling for the switch to new-generation cars in 2012.
A DRS, meanwhile, would increase the likelihood of overtaking by flattening the rear wing element on straights.
Team Rosberg driver Edoardo Mortara, the only man to win a race for Audi last year, led the calls to bring in the new concepts.
"I really like the DRS. I really hope that we can run with the system this year," Mortara said.
"In my eyes this is the right way to get more overtaking and in doing so to make the races more interesting. After all, it also works in Formula 1. The same applies to the option tyres."
Last year's top rookie Augusto Farfus, who won at Valencia, agreed.
"It was great trying the option tyres and the DRS," the Brazilian added. "Both innovations certainly have got what it takes to help us provide the DTM fans with even more thrilling motor racing."
Further analysis of both systems is due to take place during the second and final pre-season test at Hockenheim from April 9-12.
DTM testing: BMW rookie Marco Wittmann leads last day
DTM introduces F1-style DRS and option tyres to spice up races
Audi's Rast reveals unusual strategy for fourth DTM title push
Audi driver Rene Rast aims to exploit the DTM’s success ballast system by targeting regular third-place finishes and believes this unusual tactic can help boost his chances of scoring a fourth title.
How the DTM’s newest Schumacher is faring in his rookie year
The DTM is one of the most fiercely-competitive GT championships around at the moment, with grids pushing 30 cars and a strong complement of factory aces. Amid it all, GT3 rookie David Schumacher is finding a steep learning curve, but his champion team-mate likes what he sees
Rast announces shock departure from Audi Sport
Rene Rast has announced his shock departure from Audi Sport, ending a 12-year partnership at the conclusion of the 2022 season.
Teenager Oeverhaus to become youngest DTM driver at Nurburgring
Theo Oeverhaus will become the youngest driver to race in the DTM when the 17-year-old makes his series debut at the Nurburgring later this month with the Walkenhorst BMW team.
The longest-serving Red Bull driver revealing F1’s true brutality
His day of days in Formula 1 came at Indianapolis in 2005, a day grand prix racing strives to forget. But Patrick Friesacher, the long-serving Red Bull lieutenant, remains active today driving a two-seater that provides ordinary people with a glimpse of an F1 car’s savage potential, including this writer...
How the DTM has come back stronger from its Norisring nadir
OPINION: Questionable driving standards and farcical team orders meant the DTM's first season under GT3 regulations ended under a cloud. But the organisation has responded firmly by banning team orders and welcomed new manufacturers, making for an intriguing season ahead as new and returning names prepare for battle
The remarkable career of a 'classy' champion who rejected politics
Over two decades as a factory driver with Audi and BMW, Martin Tomczyk earned the respect of team-mates and rivals as a hard but fair racer. After calling time on his racing career, the 2011 DTM champion sat down with Autosport to look back
The other Hamilton conqueror seeking career revival
On his rise through the ranks before reaching Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton was usually a cut above the rest. But he never truly asserted himself over a Mercedes-backed fellow Briton who traded single-seaters for touring cars and is now seeking new opportunities after a year largely spent on the sidelines
How the DTM's shambolic finale poses awkward future questions
OPINION: The scenes at the Norisring as Mercedes used blatant team orders to secure the first DTM title of the new GT3 era totally undermined the credibility of the championship. But as well as overshadowing the season, it also presents uncomfortable questions to series bosses about the direction it is headed in
How Audi's new DTM star is channeling Rast to achieve his "childhood dream"
Having learned the ropes in GT3 alongside Rene Rast, Kelvin van der Linde is in line to take up the three-time champion's baton as Audi's new DTM king. From humble origins in South Africa, it's been a remarkable journey so far for the current series leader, but he knows that the 2021 title is a long way from settled just yet
The number-crunching behind the new-look DTM's equalisation drive
Switching to GT3 regulations marked a fresh start for the DTM in 2021, but it has also drawn a line in the sand against other series using similar cars by engaging AVL Racing to develop a bespoke Balance of Performance system. Here’s how it works
The initial verdict on DTM's move to GT3 cars
OPINION: Facing collapse last year, the DTM has shifted its philosophy from a championship for silhouette-based touring cars to GT machines not too dissimilar to those racing across multiple series worldwide. But despite some initial BoP-based teething troubles, there were some pleasant findings as the 'new DTM' got underway at Monza