Standing starts for the DTM in 2002.
The DTM-commission has today announced a series of rule changes for 2002 which will include the adoption of standing starts and an F1 style points system.
A press release from the DTM governing body read: "The changes were decided by the DTM-commission, in which, next to the delegates of the DMSB (Deutscher Motor Sport Bund e.V.) and the DTM-organisation ITR (Internationale Tourenwagen Rennen e.V.), the two motorsport directors of Mercedes-Benz and Opel, as well as a representative of the organisers have a vote."
The DTM-commission has today announced a series of rule changes for 2002 which will include the adoption of standing starts and an F1 style points system.
A press release from the DTM governing body read: "The changes were decided by the DTM-commission, in which, next to the delegates of the DMSB (Deutscher Motor Sport Bund e.V.) and the DTM-organisation ITR (Internationale Tourenwagen Rennen e.V.), the two motorsport directors of Mercedes-Benz and Opel, as well as a representative of the organisers have a vote."
"For the modification of the regulations, the focus was on stability. Thus, the race format introduced in 2001, with a qualifying race of 35 km and a main race of 100 km with mandatory pit stop, has proven to be a success and will remain unchanged."
"In the future though, four-door saloon cars are also allowed in the DTM, which was only open to two-door coupes so far. In order to level the different body shapes of the road-going cars, thus ensuring equal chances, a new rear-wing configuration for DTM-cars was decided."
"The starting procedure will also be changed. From 2002, a standing start will be replace the flying starts used so far. The points distribution will also be modified. The scheme known from Formula 1 has been adopted, which awards 10, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1 points for first to sixth place (so far 20, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1). This new scheme adds more value to a victory."
Hans Werner Aufrecht, chairman of the ITR said: "Our main point was, that this points distribution scheme is much more transparent than the scheme used so far, and that everybody knows it because of Formula 1."
The points given for the qualifying race (3, 2, 1) remains unchanged, which makes the sprint more valuable compared to the main race.
The race calendar for next season is also due to be released soon. Winfried Urbinger, chairman of the DMSB added: "The delegates are still working on the final details. We intend to announce the dates for 2002 at the final round of the season in Hockenheim."
