The DTM is on the verge of a make or break season in 2008. The departure of Mika Hakkinen from the Mercedes line-up leaves the series without a 'star name' fighting for the title, while new rules for 2009 have still not taken shape.
But it's not all doom and gloom for the German-based championship. Those in charge have successfully weathered the storm that was Audi's withdrawal from the Barcelona race last September, meaning that two manufacturers will continue to do battle for another season.
Yet again the strength in depth of the driver line-up has improved for the new season, and there are plenty of tantalising prospects for this campaign.