DTM: Revised calendar without Norisring
SEASON START IN SPA With a mixture of single and double events, the DTM wanted to hold 20 races from mid-July without spectators for the time being. However, racing is not permitted at the Norisring, so it will not start until Belgium. The 2020 DTM calendar had to be completely redesigned in view of the past and current restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic [...]
The 2020 DTM calendar had to be completely redesigned in view of the past and current restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. And the day after the publication of the latest version of the calendar, the ITR as the umbrella organization has to make another cut.
For the season opener at the Norisring in Nuremberg, the pompous stone grandstand on the former Reichstag grounds was to remain free of spectators, as was the otherwise inviting, picturesque paddock at the Dutzendteich. However, the day after the new DTM dates were announced on Wednesday, the Nuremberg city government also rejected this plan, much to the surprise of the ITR.
Return to Spa-Francorchamps
The 2020 DTM season will now definitely start at the beginning of August with the first race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. The last time it was held at the traditional Belgian circuit was 15 years ago.
The Belgian authorities have given their approval for "ghost races", as Formula 1 will be doing three weeks later. A highlight for the drivers, but a yawn-inducing atmosphere without any spectators.
Final in Hockenheim
This will be followed by the first of three double events with races on consecutive weekends at the Lausitzring, Nürburgring and Zolder in Belgium.
Together with the two weekends in the Eifel, the single event in Assen (NL), which is also close to the border, forms the first "triple-header" in the history of the DTM. The finale on the first weekend in November at Hockenheim rounds off the new calendar. However, this could well receive further corrections.
Protection concept
To ensure that the approximately 600 hp DTM cars from Audi and BMW can return to the race track (Nürburgring) for the series' official test drives from June . to 11, ITR has worked with experts to develop a detailed infection protection concept that is constantly adapted to the current situation. The requirements of the participating European countries and the respective federal states are always incorporated into the infection protection concept.
Swiss fans can hope
In view of the current situation, the DTM is therefore planning races without spectators on site for the time being. However, developments around the individual venues are being monitored extremely closely.
If it is possible and justifiable from a safety and health point of view, races with spectators on site will also be considered. Swiss fans can therefore hope to be able to watch Nico Müller and Fabio Scherer live at least at their "home race" in Hockenheim.
DTM Trophy will be on the grid six times
In addition to the DTM, the DTM Trophy will also compete in six events. The new GT3 series, which currently has 20 registered cars, will hold its races at Spa-Francorchamps, the Lausitzring, both Nürburgring rounds, Zolder and Hockenheim. It forms the core of the supporting program, which will be supplemented by other series in the coming weeks.
