The DTM went through some hard years. After the exits of Mercedes (2018), Audi (2020) and BMW (2020, following the end of Class 1), the series was on the brink of collapse. Since 2021 it has run as a GT3 sprint series — and that saved it.
What It Is
- 8 race weekends per season, almost exclusively in Germany and Austria
- GT3 rules with a sprint format (two races per weekend, roughly 55 minutes)
- A mix of factory and privateer teams: Manthey EMA (Porsche), Schubert (BMW), HRT (Mercedes-AMG), Abt (Audi), Engelhart (Ferrari)
- Young and established drivers: Mick Schumacher, René Rast, Maro Engel, Sheldon van der Linde
Why It Matters
- German circuits. Norisring, Nürburgring, Hockenheim, Sachsenring, Lausitzring — all within reach, all with their own character
- Sprint format. Unlike the WEC or IMSA, the racing here is hard and short — plenty of overtaking, tight penalty margins, close finishes
- GT3 showcase. If you want to see GT3 cars without waiting 24 hours, watch the DTM
Where Its Limits Lie
- Small on the global stage. Barely followed outside Germany
- A pure sprint series. No endurance romance, no Le Mans crowning moment
- A diluted GT3 identity. The same cars race in plenty of other series (GT World Challenge, IMSA GTD, WEC LMGT3, 24h Series)
The ABXK Take
The DTM is Germany’s trackside series. If you live in Germany and want to experience a race weekend live, this is the most efficient choice: under 4 hours to get there, a great paddock atmosphere, fair ticket prices.
The must-attend dates on the 2026 calendar: the Norisring (street-circuit classic), the Nürburgring GP, and the Hockenheim finale.
Every Champion Since 1984
The complete DTM champions list from 1984 to 2025.