Motorsport Stripped down: The DTM

The DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) is the pinnacle of touring-car racing, with some of the world’s top drivers doing battle around Europe’s fastest circuits in a tightly packed field of flame-spitting V8-powered saloons. And cheering them on are motorsport’s most passionate – and partisan – fans.

The intense rivalry between the followers of the three German manufacturers – Audi, Mercedes-Benz and the Castrol EDGE-backed BMW squad – is unparalleled in motorsport. DTM grandstands often feel more akin to a Barcelona v Real Madrid encounter at Camp Nou, as fans wave their flags and sound their airhorns, and fireworks explode as the cars cross the finish line.

The cars are the true stars of the DTM. They’re based on production four-door saloons and coupes; but looks can be deceiving. Under the skin, they’re built around a lightweight, high-strength carbon-fibre monocoque, while their 4.0-litre V8 engines pump out 500bhp and power the car from 0-100km/h in three seconds, and to eye-watering top speeds of 300km/h.

To keep all that power in check, the cars are fitted with wide and grippy racing tyres, and aerodynamic attachments that create huge amounts of downforce. On its own, a DTM race car looks spectacular enough. Put 20 together in a closely fought racing pack, and there’s more horsepower than a cruise missile – and just as much potential for panel-bashing chaos.

It’s the perfect recipe for sensational racing, and the ideal stage on which to reveal Castrol EDGE’s strength to perform.