The promoter of the DTM, ADAC, has announced significant changes to the support program for young drivers, aiming to increase their representation in competitive categories. Starting from the 2027 season, financial support for the winners of the Road-to-DTM classification will substantially increase, aiming to facilitate their transition to the DTM.
In recent years, ADAC has noticed a decline in the number of participants in the DTM support series, which is why they have decided to improve the conditions for the Road-to-DTM winners. Until now, the prize was limited to an exemption from the registration fee, but in the future, the winner will have access to a prize fund that will amount to 620,000 euros.
For the upcoming season, the total fund of the ADAC GT Masters will rise to 775,000 euros, which represents a historic record for this series, which plays a key role in access to the DTM. This measure aims to increase opportunities for young drivers and make the support competitions more attractive.
The winner of the Road-to-DTM will not necessarily be the champion of the ADAC GT Masters. There are specific requirements: drivers must be under 25 years old and ranked by the FIA in the Silver category, allowing them to focus on their development before taking on a professional contract.
Furthermore, the allocation of the 620,000 euros includes assistance for the registration fee to the DTM, as well as a tire package throughout the season, a benefit that was not available before. This translates into support that covers a third of a DTM driver’s annual budget, which can hover around 1.5 million euros.
Another significant change is the modification of the competition format to better prepare drivers for the demands of the DTM. Thus, one-hour races will be maintained as standard and mandatory pit stops will be added, an aspect that will help novice referees adapt to the race conditions of the DTM.
Additionally, similar reforms will need to be implemented in other support categories, such as the ADAC GT4 Germany, where a similar Road-to-DTM classification will be created, offering a total prize of 235,000 euros for the winner. This will represent an important step for drivers in their journey to the DTM.
The new BMW M2 Cup will also see an increase in its budget, reaching 305,000 euros, facilitating access for drivers to the professional motorsport world. This initiative aims to revitalize competitions and ensure a constant flow of talent towards the DTM.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
