The 2024 DTM season has seen only 20 cars entered, the lowest number of entries since the championship switched to GT3 regulations in 2021. The decrease in participation has been attributed to high operating costs, reduced manufacturer support, and challenging economic conditions. Last year, there were 28 drivers taking part in the DTM, showing a significant drop in entries for the current season.
Continuation of Big Names
Despite the decline in overall entries, 17 drivers from the previous year have decided to continue in the DTM for the 2024 season. Among these drivers are well-known names such as Marco Wittmann, Rene Rast, Lucas Auer, Maro Engel, and defending champion Thomas Preining. Additionally, Le Mans 24 Hours class winner Nicki Thiim is making a return to the category, joining the SSR Performance Lamborghini team after a challenging debut with T3 Motorsport in 2022. The presence of these experienced drivers adds a level of prestige to the championship.
Quality Over Quantity
Kelvin van der Linde, a former champion in the DTM, does not believe that the decrease in the number of cars on the grid will impact the quality of the competition. He expressed his confidence in the caliber of drivers participating in the championship, stating, “If you’re competing against the best drivers, that automatically puts the championship on a high level.” Van der Linde believes that having top-tier drivers like Rene and Marco contributes to maintaining the reputation of the DTM.
The DTM has witnessed several dramatic crashes during the GT3 era, with events such as the Norisring and Hockenheim races in 2022 being marred by major accidents. These incidents resulted in significant damage, leading to six drivers missing the final race of the season. Van der Linde, who experienced one of the crashes firsthand, sees a potential benefit in having a smaller grid. He emphasized that reducing the number of cars on the track could lower the likelihood of first-lap wrecks, ultimately enhancing safety for the drivers.
As the 2024 DTM season progresses with a smaller field of competitors, it will be interesting to see how the championship adapts to the changes in participation. The focus on quality over quantity, as endorsed by drivers like van der Linde, could pave the way for a more competitive and safer racing environment in the DTM. With established names continuing to showcase their skills on the track, fans can expect thrilling battles and exciting developments throughout the season.
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