DTM + Super GT joint race is happening at Fuji Speedway

By ahmadzulizwan, 05 August 2019
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Just under a year ago we learned that DTM and Super GT will share the same regulations called Class 1, including having organising a special race where both championships share the same track. And now all the details have been ironed out after Masaki Bandoh, chairman of GTA and organiser of the Super GT series met Gerhard Berger, chairman of ITR (organiser of DTM) at the Fuji Speedway during a Super GT round last weekend. It’s also the same place where the DTM + Super GT race will be held, from 22-24 November 2019.

So, no more waiting and teases – it’s happening! We’ve been anticipating this for the longest time, especially after cars from Super GT and DTM had joint demo laps back in 2017 at the Hockenheim and Motegi circuits. Now that the venue and dates have been settled, only the common technical regulations needs to be determined.

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However, the race format has been finalised:

  • Two races of equal length on Saturday and Sunday: races last 55 minutes plus one lap (plus a maximum of three additional laps if a Safety Car is deployed)
  • One mandatory pitstop per race, during which all four wheels must be changed
  • Refuelling or driver changes are prohibited
  • All participants race on Hankook’s 2019 “Ventus Race” DTM control tyres
  • DTM’s DRS (Drag Reduction System) and pushto-pass systems will not be used
  • Support program includes a separate sprint race with the GT300 cars from the SUPER GT series

As you can see, Super GT teams and drivers will have some thinking to do because only a single driver is required, ala-DTM. Race fans will get a preview of the action during DTM’s season finale at Hockenheim in October, when Honda, Nissan, and Lexus will be guest starters in the race.

It will be a mighty clash, come November, in more ways than one. Super GT is competed by factory teams from Honda, Nissan, and Lexus, while manufacturers competing in DTM are BMW, Audi, and Aston Martin.

The number of cars competing in the ‘Dream Race’, as well as the drivers nominated by each manufacturer will be announced later.

[Side note: Super GT is (very likely) coming back to Malaysia in 2020!]