The 2012 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters was the twenty-sixth season of premier German touring car championship and also thirteenth season under the moniker of Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters since the series' resumption in 2000. New regulations applied for the 2012 season (see below). BMW returned to the championship for the first time since 1994.[1] It was also the last time non-European driver to won the DTM title until South AfricanSheldon van der Lindein2022 season.
The points system for the 2012 season was changed to reflect the system used by the FIA for world championships. The top ten drivers in each race are awarded points on a scale of 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1.[2]
Refuelling during the race was banned after 12 years due to safety concerns and also avoid cut costs.
For the first time since 2003 season the DTM reintroduced the smaller two-door coupé-style cars respectively but the two-door coupé-style cars shape were much different than 2000-2003 coupés as the new generational of Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters cars were based on 2-door coupé D-segmentcompact executive cars. The four-door D-segment mid-size sedan-style cars (introduced since 2004 but mandatory requirement since 2005) was permanently retired after the 2011 season. The engine configuration remained unchanged until 2018 despite the coupé-style cars' reintroduction.
The minimum weight of the cars has been increased from 1,050 kg (2,315 lb) to 1,100 kg (2,425 lb). From 2000-2003, the all DTM cars weight were 1,080 kg (2,381 lb). From 2004-2006, all DTM cars weight were 1,030 kg (2,271 lb). From 2007-2011, the all DTM cars weight were 1,050 kg (2,315 lb).
The rear wing of all DTM cars has been changed to the single-element plane wing instead of a dual-element plane wing to create downforce.
The fuel tank capacity of all DTM cars were increased to 120 litres (32US gallons) instead of usual 65–70 litres (17–18 US gallons) due to refuelling ban rules.
The seat of all DTM cars was integrated into the carbon fibre monocoque that is connected to a roll cage of high-strength steel due to safety concerns.
The year-old aging DTM cars were banned due to previous year cars were 4-door saloon model types.
As a result of the transition from the outgoing four-door sedan-style cars to two-door coupé-style cars, the tyre sizes of Hankook Ventus DTM tyres were also altered from 260/660-R18 (10.2/25.9-R18) on fronts and 280/660-R18 (11.0/25.9-R18) on rears to 300/680-R18 (11.8/26.8-R18) on fronts and 320/700-R18 (12.6/27.9-R18) on rears in order to improve more mechanical grip and handling while cornering to suit the driving style.[3]
Long-time BMW factory drivers Augusto Farfus, Joey Hand, Andy Priaulx and Dirk Werner made their début in the series with BMW. Farfus and Priaulx are driving for Team RBM, Hand for Team RMG and Werner with Team Schnitzer.
^"Werner dernière recrue de BMW" [Werner newest member of BMW]. AUTOhebdo (in French). Groupe Hommell. 13 January 2012. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2012.
Hockenheimring
Brands Hatch
Red Bull Ring
Circuit Park Zandvoort
Circuit Ricardo Tormo
Joey Hand[7]
Bruno Spengler[8]
BMW Team RBM[5]
Augusto Farfus[10]
Mattias Ekström[11]
Rahel Frey[11]
Adrien Tambay[12]
Edoardo Mortara[11]
Filipe Albuquerque[11]
