The German automobile club’s plans to announce the entry list for the 2024 DTM season before Christmas have hit a roadblock. Negotiations with teams and manufacturers are still ongoing, causing delays in confirming the grid positions. However, there is encouraging interest from multiple participants, including new manufacturers eager to join the competition. McLaren, Aston Martin, and Honda are among the potential new entrants for the 2024 DTM season.
The upcoming DTM season could welcome three new manufacturers, increasing the number of represented brands in the series to nine. McLaren, Aston Martin, and Honda are currently in talks to compete in the DTM next year. McLaren’s discussions with former BMW team Project 1 for the 720S GT3 are in an advanced stage, making their presence on the 2024 grid highly likely. Despite Lamborghini’s recent signing of works driver Nicki Thiim, Aston Martin is still exploring the possibility of joining the DTM with the Comtoyou outfit. Additionally, a mysterious Honda project, initially announced by Frizzi Arnold under the AiM GT banner, is now operated by Euroteam Performance, possibly with support from JAS Performance.
The ADAC expects a grid of 24-28 cars for the 2024 DTM season, similar to this year’s 27-car field. However, at present, only 20 cars are registered, with seven officially revealed. It is crucial to emphasize that achieving the desired number of entries would require additional projects to materialize. Several manufacturers, including Audi and Mercedes, are expected to field fewer cars in the upcoming season compared to previous years.
Audi’s Reduced Presence
Audi’s decision not to provide factory support in GT racing from next year will result in a reduced field of Audi R8 LMS GT3s in the DTM. While the exact number of Audi entries is unknown, it is evident that their presence will be significantly decreased. This change comes as no surprise, considering the brand’s shift in focus.
Mercedes, previously one of the largest brands in the DTM, has registered only four cars so far, split between Winward and HRT. Meanwhile, Landgraf, a new entrant in 2023, is yet to lodge an entry. The situation at Porsche team Toksport WRT and Mercedes outfit Landgraf remains unclear. Both brands have multiple unanswered questions, including the number of cars they will field and driver registrations.
With the 2024 DTM season grid still incomplete, many teams face uncertainties. Some teams have registered for the season with only one car named, even though they intend to use two cars. Additionally, Mercedes teams and others have yet to register any drivers, despite ADAC’s request. Moreover, not all entrants have paid the entry fee of 98,000 euros per car. Delays in finalizing the grid are expected, as relevant personnel from manufacturers, teams, and sponsors are unlikely to return to office until mid-January.
The 2024 DTM season grid announcement has faced setbacks due to ongoing negotiations and uncertainties. While the interest from participants, including potential new manufacturers, is promising, the completion of the grid remains uncertain. Mercedes and Audi’s reduced presence adds further uncertainty to the mix. However, the ADAC is working diligently to finalize negotiations and ensure a competitive and diverse grid for the upcoming season. Racing enthusiasts eagerly await further updates on the confirmed grid for the 2024 DTM season.
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