DTM ‘performance weights’ rule set to change for 2016
The DTM performance weights system, which searches to level performance among cars in the series, will be revised for next season.
The system has come under fire this season, after strongly affecting the behaviour in the winning cars, almost flipping performance from one extreme to the next.
DTM cars have a base weight of 1,120 kilos. Depending on the race results, one or two blocks of 2.5 kilos will be added, up to a maximum of eight (1,140 kilos), or taken, up to a maximum of six (1,105 kilos), from each car, thus calculating the resulting weight for the following race weekend.
The system was implemented last year. For 2015, however, and with two races per weekend, the rule was amended so the performance weights would be the addition of those gained per each race, thus increasing the weight jump between racing events.
This has caused some controversy in the DTM paddock during the season, having seen differences of up to 30 kilos among participants at certain events, which can make a manufacturer go from an absolute winner, as it was the case for Audi in Lausitzring, to struggle for points as it happened for the Ingolstadt squad at the following event in Norisring.
Speaking to Autosport, Ullrich Fritz, Head of Mercedes AMG DTM, pointed the ‘seesaw effect’ of the current system: “It is clear that we need to work on the system. This is what we, the manufacturers, and also the sanctioning body agreed to do after the season, and from there find a new solution.”
A number of alternative proposals have arisen, like Fritz himself suggesting that weights should be added or calculated between Saturday and Sunday on a racing weekend. Also, a rule calculating weights according to lap times, such as it’s the case in the WTCC, has been proposed.
Audi’s Mattias Ekström, who has been the most penalised by the rule, also thinks the system ought to be revised, as now it’s tempting to not achieve race results in order to shed some weight for the following event. “I don’t mind having a weight rule, as long as it’s not compromising race results. I think there needs to be a new system where your race finishing position doesn’t influence your weight, because when you go racing, the aim should be to fight for every single position”, the Swede told Autosport.
The DTM heads to Nürburgring for the eighth round of the season this weekend, and with standings leader and Mercedes driver Pascal Wehrlein on 1,130 kilos, against 1,127.5 for Mattias Ekström.
