watch DTM

BMW M4 GT3, Sheldon van der Linde, Schubert Motorsport, Shell. Picture: BMW Motorsport

5 reasons to watch DTM in 2023

With a South African defending champion and the first race taking place this weekend, here’s why you should watch DTM in 2023

watch DTM

BMW M4 GT3, Sheldon van der Linde, Schubert Motorsport, Shell. Picture: BMW Motorsport

We get it, with Formula 1 and the Indy 500 this weekend, it would be easy for South African motorsport fans to forget about DTM. But don’t you dare because now more than ever you should be supporting South African representation in the toughest GT3 racing series in the world.

Here are five reasons to watch DTM in 2023, so you don’t miss out on any of the action.

1. WATCH DTM FOR DEFENDING CHAMP, SHELDON VAN DER LINDE

That’s correct, in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last year, a South African, Sheldon van der Linde, is the defending DTM champion! After consistent performances last year and some crucial race wins in his Shell-sponsored Schubert Motorsport BMW M4 GT3, he claimed the championship in a nail-biting, crash-riddled finale in Hockenheim in 2022 (watch the highlights below).

2. WATCH DTM FOR ANOTHER SAFFA, KELVIN VAN DER LINDE

Arguably the more fancied of the Van der Linde brothers – super quick and aggressive Kelvin is the older, more experienced GT3 driver. He competes in the ABT Audi R8 GT3 Evo II and nearly took the championship in 2021, with the championship, once again, going down to a crash-fest final race of the season at the Norisring.

He clashed repeatedly with F2 driver Liam Lawson. We’ll admit, Kelvin did cross the line in his keenness to come out on top, but we still back him no matter what he races. If you haven’t seen the infamous 2021 race, the highlights are below.

3. WATCH DTM FOR THE RACING

Let’s be honest, on-track racing in Formula 1 at Monaco is going to be a snooze fest. The principal issues being the general lack of overtaking and spectacle around the principality. However, DTM in 2023, has introduced a new control tyre from Pirelli.

There are no tyre warmers, so after the mandatory pitstop mid-race, the cars get squidgy and slide around for several laps till their tyres are up to temperature. Less stability for the drivers, better racing, and more excitement for us.

Watch DTM
DTM, Testfahrt Red Bull Ring 2023. Photo: Gruppe C Photography

4. WATCH DTM FOR THE CAR

DTM, the most prestigious production-car-based race series in the world, enjoys its best entry list in its storied history. 28 cars. In the past you had hi-tech silhouette race cars from German marques like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz only.

ALSO READ: 24h Nürburgring: SA’s Sheldon van der Linde bags podium spot for BMW

But since it became a GT3-based series under the control of new boss Gerhard Berger, the field has opened up and you have the most incredible mix of cars. Porsche 911 competed for the first time last season. Lamborghini runs the Huracan GT3 Evo II, and then you have the popular Mercedes-AMG GT3, Audi R8 and BMW M4 GT3. Take your pick.

5. WATCH DTM BECAUSE YOU CAN

DTM races take place on a Saturday and Sunday with an early morning qualification session preceding each race. Readily available to watch on DTM’s YouTube channel, you can catch the 20-minute qualification session in the mornings. Then the race is broadcast on Supersport at 13h30 on either channel 210 or 215, with replays throughout the week.

With two Saffas in the mix, we’ll be glued to our screens. Don’t miss it!

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