Explained: How the DTM qualifying mode works at the Norisring

(Motorsport-Total.com) - As already introduced in the DTM in 2022, qualifying at the Norisring ( all information on TV times, stream, etc. ) will be held in two starting groups this year. This is because the Norisring is only 2.162 kilometers long, and the drivers complete many laps due to the low tire wear. So, there will be a lot of activity on the track, and obstructions are almost unavoidable. Splitting the field increases the chances of the drivers getting a clear lap.

In contrast to the previous ITR mode, when the championship standings determined the division into the two groups, since 2023 the overall result of Friday practice has been decisive. The odd positions—i.e., the fastest, third, etc.—are placed in Group A, while the even positions—i.e., second, fourth, etc.—are placed in Group B. But how does the qualifying mode work?

On Saturday, Group A will first conduct its 20-minute qualifying session, followed by Group B after a break. The driver with the fastest time of either group will start from pole. Second will be the fastest driver from the other group, and the starting grid will alternate between the two.

While on Saturday, Group B usually has an advantage because they started later and benefit from the extra rubber on the street circuit, on Sunday, Group A starts later 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 deleted or a driver has to serve a grid penalty and is relegated to the starting grid? The DTM sporting regulations state that drivers whose lap times were deleted in qualifying at the Norisring are placed behind the drivers in their respective group at the back of the starting grid.

However, according to the regulations, relegations apply "to the combined starting grid, even if this changes the respective group assignment." This means that they may not start on the starting grid of their group.

Interestingly, this year both Grasser drivers, both Schubert drivers and both Winward drivers have landed in Group A, while both Comtoyou Aston Martin drivers, both Manthey drivers, the Abt duo and also the Landgraf drivers are starting 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 Calendar, Ben Dörr, Fabio Scherer;