Michelin ready for DTM debut

More familiarly known simply as the DTM, the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters resumes this weekend (June 18-20) at Monza, Italy, with a new-look formula featuring FIA GT3 cars competing on MICHELIN Pilot Sport GT M tires. This highly popular series has effectively chosen the French brand for the first time as sole supplier for such prestige carmakers as Audi, Mercedes, McLaren, BMW, Lamborghini and Ferrari.

The DTM has enjoyed a strong reputation outside of Germany and held rounds at top venues in other countries for some years, and its current manager – ex-F1 star Gerhard Berger – has every intention of boosting its status with a number of new features that are being introduced this season.

Measures include a switch to FIA GT3 cars equipped with tires provided by Michelin which has been named exclusive supplier for both the 2021 DTM and the DTM Trophy for young drivers.

“It’s an honor to be involved in this renowned championship,” says Julien Vial, Manager of Michelin Motorsport’s Customer Competition Department. “We are equipping the FIA GT3 cars with MICHELIN Pilot Sport GT M tires that have already demonstrated their performance and consistency at international level. They come with RFID technology [Radio Frequency Identification] which will help the organizers to track their use.”

The entry for this year’s DTM boasts a long list of esteemed manufacturers represented by world-class privately-run teams. Audi will be defending its crown with the R8 LMS, but the Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Huracan, Mercedes-AMG, McLaren 720S and BMW M6 will all be out to topple the Ingolstadt make from its pedestal. Meanwhile, the driver line-up includes some of GT racing’s most proficient specialists, including three former DTM champs: Marco Wittmann, Mike Rockenfeller and Gary Paffett.

“The two official test sessions at Hockenheim and Lausitzring [Germany] went well,” reports Julien Vial. “The drivers all praised the MICHELIN Pilot Sport GT M, especially its lasting performance. The regulations have set a limit of three sets of new tires per car for Monza, then two sets for the following rounds. Participants will also be able to count on expert advice from Michelin Motorsport’s technical staff.”

The program at Monza features two races, plus rounds of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland for which Michelin is also the exclusive tire supplier with its new MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup N3.

Calendar 2021 DTM:

June 18-20: Monza (Italy)

July 2-4: Norisring (Germany)

July 23-25: Lausitzring (Germany)

August 6-8: Zolder (Belgium)

August 20-22: Nürburgring (Germany)

September 3-5: Red Bull Ring (Austria)

September 17-19: Assen (Netherlands)

October 1-3: Hockenheimring (Germany)