Which tire partner will the new BMW M2 Cup use in the DTM, what does the calendar look like, and how many cars does the ADAC expect in the first season?
The package for the newly founded BMW M2 Cup, which is being organized by the ADAC and will be held as part of the DTM from 2026, is now finalized: On Monday, Michelin was officially presented as the sole tire manufacturer for the one-make cup, which will be contested with the 313 hp BMW M2 Racing.
“BMW has already tested the tires during the development of the M2 Racing,” says ADAC Motorsport Director Thomas Voss, who is delighted with the renowned partner. “This means we can offer young talents in the M2 Cup an optimal technology package for the start of their careers in the DTM.”
The French manufacturer will supply the Michelin Pilot Sport GT M+ in dry conditions and the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup GT P2L in wet conditions. For each event, which consists of two practice sessions, one qualifying session, and two sprint races, the teams will receive six new slicks each, but can also use four tires from previous weekends.
What the calendar looks like and what field is expected
Ten new slicks will be available at the start of the season. There will be five events: The season opener will take place on the third DTM weekend of the season at the Lausitzring (June 9 to 21), followed by the Norisring (July 3 to 5) in Nuremberg, the Nürburgring (August 14 to 16), the Sachsenring (September 11 to 13), and the Hockenheimring (October 9 to 11), where the final will be held.
Early bird registration (€24,000 per car plus VAT) began on January 12 and runs until March 15, with the final registration deadline on May 15. According to the ADAC, which expects 16 to 20 vehicles, there has been lively interest from potential participants so far.
This is because the series will no longer be run centrally by Hans-Bernd Kamps’ Project 1 team, as in the past, but by private racing teams.
So far, the Austrian Razoon team, known for its GT3 entries with the Porsche 911 GT3 R, and Team ME Motorsport, known from ADAC GT4 Germany, have announced that they will participate in the M2 Cup in 2026. Teams participating in multiple series on the DTM platform are eligible for discounts on registration.
Participation possible from the age of 15
Although the Mexican-built M2 Racing is also used on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and in other series, the BMW M2 Cup within the DTM is the only racing series that is contested exclusively with these cars. And in 2026, it is expected to be the only racing series within the DTM that will use standing starts. The ADAC has also incorporated the series into its own junior pyramid, directly below GT4 Germany and above karting. The champion will also receive a “comprehensive” Road to DTM support package for 2027, although no further details have been provided yet. Rumor has it that BMW is also currently working on integrating the series into its own junior development program with the BMW M Racing Academy.
Who is eligible to participate in the series? The cut-off date is the 15th birthday, and at least a national A license is required. Those who obtain their entry ticket before their 15th birthday must complete a racing seminar before their first start. The official test for the season will take place on June 4 in Lausitz.