BMW to make 2012 DTM return

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I’m really hoping this announcement will allow the series to creep back towards those days where loads of manufacturers were in the mix – BMW’s return should coincide with the economy hitting its full stride again.
I’m really hoping this announcement will allow the series to creep back towards those days where loads of manufacturers were in the mix – BMW’s return should coincide with the economy hitting its full stride again.
I agree Rick, but they’ve first got to sort out two things;
1) Get DTM back on a free-to-air channel in the UK – I can’t imagine ESPN have more than a handful of viewers for their coverage. Without more visibility in the UK the gate numbers at the UK Brands Hatch round will reach the point where it is untenable for JP to run it. Also let’s get it airing in the US and East Asia – these are global car makers after all..
2) Fix the cars – this is meant to be a touring car series not Formula 1, so fit the cars with less sticky tyres, ban the spaceframe CF bodied prototypes and remove the wings. Let’s use real-cars like the good old days of DTM (Merc 190 Evo, BMW E30 M3, Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500)
3) Keep the power though – I’d like to see the cars sliding and making it a real challenge for the best drivers.
Hopefully BMW have lobbied for a reduction in costs and an increase in fun as part of their re-entry to the series.
I agree Rick, but they’ve first got to sort out two things;
1) Get DTM back on a free-to-air channel in the UK – I can’t imagine ESPN have more than a handful of viewers for their coverage. Without more visibility in the UK the gate numbers at the UK Brands Hatch round will reach the point where it is untenable for JP to run it. Also let’s get it airing in the US and East Asia – these are global car makers after all..
2) Fix the cars – this is meant to be a touring car series not Formula 1, so fit the cars with less sticky tyres, ban the spaceframe CF bodied prototypes and remove the wings. Let’s use real-cars like the good old days of DTM (Merc 190 Evo, BMW E30 M3, Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500)
3) Keep the power though – I’d like to see the cars sliding and making it a real challenge for the best drivers.
Hopefully BMW have lobbied for a reduction in costs and an increase in fun as part of their re-entry to the series.
1) Agreed here, it seems daft that there isn’t an option for UK users to view DTM outside of ESPN. I also very much doubt ESPN are paying them anything for the coverage, so it’d be nice to get to see it on something like ITV4 who have shown they’re receptive to motor sport coverage with BTCC. They could even run a UK only online stream, which is easily doable as shown by the FIA GT series this year.
2) I’d also add to that to bin the pit stops and perhaps consider beefing the weekend out to a couple of races – there’s such a build up at the moment for just a 50 minute race. You can never have too much on track action.
3) The power’s fine and I’d have to say the DTM are easily the best sounding touring cars on the planet, always a joy to stand in the paddock at Brands and see them literally scream into Surtees at 140mph.
1) Agreed here, it seems daft that there isn’t an option for UK users to view DTM outside of ESPN. I also very much doubt ESPN are paying them anything for the coverage, so it’d be nice to get to see it on something like ITV4 who have shown they’re receptive to motor sport coverage with BTCC. They could even run a UK only online stream, which is easily doable as shown by the FIA GT series this year.
2) I’d also add to that to bin the pit stops and perhaps consider beefing the weekend out to a couple of races – there’s such a build up at the moment for just a 50 minute race. You can never have too much on track action.
3) The power’s fine and I’d have to say the DTM are easily the best sounding touring cars on the planet, always a joy to stand in the paddock at Brands and see them literally scream into Surtees at 140mph.