DTM regulations fine tuned for 2002

The DTM is entering its third season since its rebirth in 2000. While Mercedes-Benz, Opel and the privateer Audi team Abt Sportsline have staunchly supported the series, the ITR want to attract new manufacturers by allowing four-door saloons into the series next year.

Only two-door cars have been allowed thus far, but some manufacturers don't have such coupe-style models in their range. The ITR have pledged to equalise any aerodynamic disadvantage for four-door models by evaluating them in the wind tunnel and adapting each model's rear wing accordingly.

The Grand Prix points scoring system (10-6-4-etc) will also be adopted to replace the current 20-15-10-etc system, although the 3-2-1 allocation will remain for the qualification race, effectively doubling its importance.

"Our main reason was that this points distribution scheme is much more transparent than the scheme used so far, and that everybody knows it because of Formula 1," said Hans Werner Aufrecht, chairman of the ITR.

Standing starts will replace the current rolling getaways, but the mooted increase in air restrictor size - which would have seen power outputs climb to 500bhp - has been vetoed in the interest of reliability.

The race calendar for next season is also due to be released soon, and is expected to include seven dates in Germany and four elsewhere, namely Austria, Holland, Belgium and Italy or Britain.

"The delegates are still working on the final details," said Winfried Urbinger, chairman of the German motorsport federation, the DMSB. "We intend to announce the dates for 2002 at the final round of the season in Hockenheim."