2000 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters

Pre-season

This was the resurrected DTM's first season since the cancellation of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft at the end of 1996. Mercedes returned to the series after their unfortunate CLR Le Mans project along with H.W.A GmbH and AMG. They were joined by Opel, who brought along the Holzer, Phoenix, Irmscher and Euroteam from the German Super Touring Championship (STW) where they had raced in 1999. The resumption of DTM also meant the end of STW. Audi did not enter, but was still represented through the semi-independent Abt Sportsline team. Two additional teams also ran Mercedes; they were Persson Motorsport and Team Rosberg.

New for 2000 season

Regulations

2000 saw the Championship's regulations restricted to a certain degree, although Mercedes used their Le Mans experience to develop their machine. Opel opted to enter cars based on their Super Tourenwagen Cup, while Abt developed the Audi TT-R on their own initiative, albeit with a assistance from Audi.

Technical

The cars were all made to run 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated DOHC V8 engines (similar to Indy Racing League in 1997-1999), with power restricted through air restrictors, a principle used in every DTM season to keep costs down. All DTM entrants were required to utilize the GT coupé-style machinery.

All DTM cars would utilized the Bosch technological packages such as ECU, spark plugs, sensors, wipers, alternators and injectors from 2000 season onwards. In addition, Bosch also supplying appliances and tools for all DTM entrants and promoters.

Sporting

The new Championship saw the use of a new scoring system, with 20 points awarded to the winner of each race. Second would receive 15, third 12 and fourth ten with the following drivers given 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, and 1 respectively. The final point would be awarded to the driver who finished tenth, with no variation of point scores in either race of the weekend.

The full points scoring system for the 2000 DTM campaign is outlined below:

Pole position and fastest lap were recognised achievements during the season, although they would not be awarded points unlike other series at the time.

Teams and drivers

The following manufacturers, teams and drivers competed in the 2000 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters. All teams competed with tyres supplied by Dunlop.

1. – Audi did not enter as a manufacturer but Abt Sportsline entered as a semi-independent team.

Race calendar and winners

All races were held in Germany. Each weekend feature two 100 km races, with equal points scales.

Drivers' championship

Bold – Pole

Italics – Fastest Lap |}

† Drivers did not finish the race, but were classified as they completed over 90% of the race distance.

Teams' Championship

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References

References

1. (3 September 2000). "Rain stops play permanently at Lausitzring…".
2. "Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters Standings 2000". Motorsport Stats.
3. "2000 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters Drivers' Standings". TouringCars.net.