The announcement of the entry list for the 2024 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) season has been met with delays and uncertainty. Despite the registration period ending on December 6, the German automobile club, ADAC, is still in the process of finalizing negotiations with interested parties. This has resulted in a lack of clarity regarding the grid positions for the upcoming season.
An ADAC spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the level of interest from participants in the 2024 DTM. However, they stated that various details need to be clarified with the teams and manufacturers before confirming the entry list. The spokesperson also mentioned that new manufacturers and teams have approached them in recent weeks, leading to constructive discussions about potential additions to the field for 2024.
Exciting news for DTM fans as three new manufacturers could be joining the championship next year, potentially bringing the total number of represented brands to nine. McLaren, Aston Martin, and Honda are the rumored new entrants for the 2024 season. McLaren is already in advanced talks with former BMW team Project 1, increasing the likelihood of their presence on the grid with the 720S GT3. Aston Martin is also exploring options to compete in the DTM with the Comtoyou outfit, despite one of their works drivers, Nicki Thiim, joining Lamborghini squad SSR Performance. Honda has a mysterious project under development, with JAS Performance expected to be involved.
The ADAC anticipates a grid of 24 to 28 cars for the full 2024 season, similar to this year’s 27-car field. While the target number is achievable, it would require several new projects to materialize. Currently, only around 20 cars are registered for the 2024 season, with just seven entries officially announced to the public. These include partnership vehicles like the Red Bull-branded Audi cars by Abt Sportline, Manthey EMA Porsche entries, SSR Performance’s Lamborghinis, and Grasser’s Huracan for Christian Engelhart. However, there may be a decline in manufacturer entries compared to previous seasons. Audi will not provide factory support in GT racing, resulting in a reduced number of Audi R8 LMS GT3s. Even Mercedes, which had a significant presence in past seasons, has only registered four cars so far through Winward and HRT. Landgraf, a new team in 2023, is yet to submit an entry.
The entry list for the 2024 DTM season still has many unanswered questions. Teams that have already registered are facing uncertainties, with some only naming one car despite plans to field two. Mercedes teams and others have not yet registered drivers, despite being requested to do so by the ADAC. Additionally, not all entrants have paid the required entry fee. The situation at Porsche team Toksport WRT and Mercedes outfit Landgraf remains unclear.
The completion of the entry list is further delayed by relevant bosses from manufacturers, teams, and sponsors not returning to the office until mid-January. As a result, it will likely take some time before the grid for the 2024 DTM season is finalized.
The entry list for the 2024 DTM season is still in flux, with negotiations and discussions ongoing between the ADAC, teams, and manufacturers. While there is promising interest from new manufacturers like McLaren, Aston Martin, and Honda, the final grid positions and the number of cars on the grid remain uncertain. Fans eagerly await updates and confirmation of the participating teams and drivers for the upcoming season.
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