Qualifying at the Norisring will take place in two starting groups: How the mode works, what happens in the event of penalties, and what the groups will look like in 2025
As already introduced in the DTM in 2022, qualifying will also be held in two starting groups at the Norisring this year (all information on TV times, streaming, etc.). The reason for this is that the Norisring is only 2.162 kilometers long and the drivers complete many laps due to low tire wear. So there will be a lot of traffic on the track, and obstructions are almost inevitable. Dividing the field increases the chance that the drivers will get a clear lap.
Unlike the previous ITR mode, where the championship standings determined the division into two groups, since 2023 the overall result of Friday’s practice has been decisive. The odd positions – i.e. the fastest, third-placed, etc. – go into Group A, while the even positions – i.e. second, fourth, etc. – go into Group B. But how does the qualifying mode work?
On Saturday, Group A first completes its 20-minute qualifying session, followed by Group B after a break. The driver who sets the fastest time of both groups starts from pole position. Second is the fastest driver from the other group, with the rest of the starting grid alternating between the two groups.
While starting group B usually has an advantage on Saturday because it starts later and benefits from the extra rubber on the city circuit, starting group A starts later on Sunday to ensure a level playing field. However, if it rains, the same group could have the advantage twice.
But what happens if lap times are canceled or a driver has to serve a grid penalty and is moved back on the starting grid? The DTM sporting regulations state that drivers whose lap times in qualifying at the Norisring have been canceled will be placed behind the drivers in their respective groups at the end of the starting grid.
According to the regulations, however, grid positions are “applied to the combined starting grid, even if this changes the respective group assignment.” This means that they may not start at the front of their group.
It is interesting to note that this year, both Grasser drivers, both Schubert drivers, and both Winward drivers have ended up in Group A, while both Comtoyou Aston Martin drivers, both Manthey drivers, the Abt duo, and the Landgraf drivers will start in Group B.
Starting group A: Jordan Pepper, Luca Engstler, Maximilian Paul, Rene Rast, Marco Wittmann, Maro Engel, Jules Gounon, Thierry Vermeulen, Arjun Maini, Ricardo Feller, Timo Glock, Morris Schuring;
Starting group B: Gilles Magnus, Nicolas Baert, Thomas Preining, Ayhancan Güven, Jack Aitken, Ben Green, Nicki Thiim, Mirko Bortolotti, Lucas Auer, Tom Kalender, Ben Dörr, Fabio Scherer;
