TV companies want F1-style race format

TV companies ARD and ZDF are believed to be behind the move, which is currently being discussed by series organisers ITR, to alter the format to make the series easier to understand for its viewers. Instead of the current two-race arrangement, where two drivers could win on the day, they want a Formula 1-style format with just one race being the main focus.

This would mean a sprint race before the main event, as used in the now-defunct German STW Cup Super Touring series, which would be used to decide grid positions. The main event, which would be longer than the present 45-minute races, would feature a standing start and a pit stop to change tyres. Points would only be awarded for the main race.

There is believed to be some resistance to the idea from some teams, who were quite happy with the way it ran last year, but the TV companies carry a huge amount of influence within the series. An announcement on whether the new format will be adopted isn't expected until the DTM launch at Hockenheim on April 5.