DTM

[tommy2k8]

I saw a promo for DTM on ITV4 yesterday. I thought DTM was on ESPN?

[dcr22B]

It's probably just highlights packages and not live coverage.

[inimitablestoo]

I would imagine so, given that the opening round is in a couple of weeks time - when ITV4 will be busy with the BTCC from Thruxton. Besides, from what I've seen before, it may need some editing to make it as exciting as the crash-bang British series. Except the Norisring, which I could happily watch every second of.

[MrJan]

Channel 4 used to show highlights on a middle of the night show called Chequered Flag (presented by Will Hoy). It used to be really good back then but I haven't paid attention for at least a decade. Will be interesting to see it anyway, hopefully at a half decent time, and it's always nice to see motorsport coming back to free-to-air channels.

[MrJan]

Incidentally it's strange that, while searching for confirmation on this rumour, ITV.com seem to have completely missed this...I shouldn't have expected any more from them but for some reason I thought that the websie might not be as ****e as ITV1.

[inimitablestoo]

I remember Chequered Flag - used to have the TOCA supports before they decamped to ITV as well, I seem to recall. In the last few years DTM highlights (for those of us who haven't got stallactite television) have been limited to a five-minute (if we're lucky!) round-up on Motorsport Mundial on Channel 5, several weeks/months late. Put it this way: I don't think they've shown the 2011 finale yet...

[AndyRAC]

Problem with ESPN is that they have too many rights - and they often clash. Not every DTM race is on live....ESPN should either put it on their website, or get another station, e;g ESPN2.

[MrJan]

I remember Chequered Flag - used to have the TOCA supports before they decamped to ITV as well, I seem to recall.

Yeah they had all the support races, including the Production Cup which was briefly tagged onto the end of the main BTCC field. They also used to have assorted rallying highlights, it was a really great show for motorsport roundups and it's surprising that something like it doesn't still exist (bearing in mind that the actual production was relatively simple and used commentary/footage that had been used live on MotorsTV or whatever).

[tintin]

Yeah they had all the support races, including the Production Cup which was briefly tagged onto the end of the main BTCC field. They also used to have assorted rallying highlights, it was a really great show for motorsport roundups and it's surprising that something like it doesn't still exist (bearing in mind that the actual production was relatively simple and used commentary/footage that had been used live on MotorsTV or whatever).

ITV's Motorsport UK is pretty similar.

[tintin]

Incidentally it's strange that, while searching for confirmation on this rumour, ITV.com seem to have completely missed this...I shouldn't have expected any more from them but for some reason I thought that the websie might not be as ****e as ITV1.

It's a bit early for anything like that - TV channels rarely promote anything more than a week in advance. DTM is still three weeks away.

[MrJan]

ITV's Motorsport UK is pretty similar.

Nah, MSUK only does the Toca package, Chequered Flag had stuff from the F3/GT support races, BRC and other series, I think they may have even shown powerboats. It was far superior to what MSUK chuck out.


It's a bit early for anything like that - TV channels rarely promote anything more than a week in advance. DTM is still three weeks away.

Maybe not a big "Look at us we've got DTM highlights" page but I'd expect it to be listed in the 'Shows' section or maybe a half paragraph news item...especially as they've got a page for the Tour De France which isn't until June.

[tintin]

Maybe not a big "Look at us we've got DTM highlights" page but I'd expect it to be listed in the 'Shows' section or maybe a half paragraph news item...especially as they've got a page for the Tour De France which isn't until June.

The difference being ITV has shown the TdF for the best part of a decade so that site is a legacy item. DTM is new. And still more than a fortnight away.

[Allyc85]

So you might think that they might want to let people know that they now have it, so they dont miss it! :eek:

[Allyc85]

DTM is now on ITV4's schedule; 5th May 10:30-11:00.

[Allyc85]

Viewing guide here

DTM 2012 - TV Guide - SkiddMark (http://skiddmark.com/2012/04/dtm-2012-tv-guide/)

[Dave B]

So you might think that they might want to let people know that they now have it, so they dont miss it! :eek:
ITV have rarely seemed to "get" this modern internet thingymajigg, bless them.

[MAX_THRUST]

The ESPN commentators were shocking on last nights coverage. I never say what I am about to say as I appreciate its a hard job, but I really could have done better than the guys on last night. Dave richards was ok, but the other guy Andrew ? was terrible. Missed everything, had no excitment, often made one word comments....it was awful. Admitttedly it wasn't the best race but i really could have done better.

[inimitablestoo]

Doesn't bode well, as I wouldn't be surprised if ITV's coverage is simply an edited version of ESPN's. Still, if it is, it might be bearable for half an hour.

[PDS]

Doesn't bode well, as I wouldn't be surprised if ITV's coverage is simply an edited version of ESPN's. Still, if it is, it might be bearable for half an hour.

I've just seen the coverage of the first round of 2012 on YouTube... utter crap!

Why do the Germans insist on having their cameras at least twenty foot off the ground and at least ten cars in shot?? I think I spotted ONE camera at ground level. They only used the in-car footage for the accidents.

At least the BTCC and V8 Supercar coverage is a lot more exciting with camera's close-in. With the use of high camera's it just makes whatever racing that is going on, quite tedious..

I just hope ITV get to plan the cameras when they get to Brands...

Watch it and let me know what you think??

2012 DTM at Hockenheim Start and wild opening laps HD - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQiQfMBqD-Y&feature=relmfu)

[Allyc85]

Thats rubbish, you dont feel involved at all. Its almost like you are watching from the other side of the fence, trying to sneek a view!

[BDunnell]

I've just seen the coverage of the first round of 2012 on YouTube... utter crap!

Why do the Germans insist on having their cameras at least twenty foot off the ground and at least ten cars in shot?? I think I spotted ONE camera at ground level. They only used the in-car footage for the accidents.

At least the BTCC and V8 Supercar coverage is a lot more exciting with camera's close-in. With the use of high camera's it just makes whatever racing that is going on, quite tedious..

I just hope ITV get to plan the cameras when they get to Brands...

Watch it and let me know what you think??

2012 DTM at Hockenheim Start and wild opening laps HD - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQiQfMBqD-Y&feature=relmfu)

Totally agree. (The German-language commentary is awful as well — dull, unenthusiastic, no 'go' about it.)

[ioan]

DTM should try to get a better coverage outside of Germany.
Maybe they have a live internet stream (like FIA GT1) that I have missed?

[BDunnell]

DTM should try to get a better coverage outside of Germany.

But who except a few die-hard enthusiasts would watch? It is a national series, after all, and thus of little interest outside Germany.

[ioan]

But who except a few die-hard enthusiasts would watch? It is a national series, after all, and thus of little interest outside Germany.

Weren't they a year or so ago talking about harmonizing rules so that DTM cars could participate in other series too?
Either they want the cars to be seen outside of Germany or they don't, it is certainly not clear as they say one thing and do exactly the opposite.

[PDS]

But who except a few die-hard enthusiasts would watch? It is a national series, after all, and thus of little interest outside Germany.

But if they put out half decent tv coverage, maybe they would get better support???

[MrJan]

But if they put out half decent tv coverage, maybe they would get better support???

TV coverage of the BTCC is quite good, how well is that supported overseas? (genuine question, I'm not being facetious). It used to be quite a big series for people to prove themselves, but recently it's very much become a British series for British drivers, we don't have the variety of nations that we did during the super-tourer era.

[wedge]

Weren't they a year or so ago talking about harmonizing rules so that DTM cars could participate in other series too?
Either they want the cars to be seen outside of Germany or they don't, it is certainly not clear as they say one thing and do exactly the opposite.

Grand Am and Super GTs.


But who except a few die-hard enthusiasts would watch? It is a national series, after all, and thus of little interest outside Germany.

True but then BTCC found an international audience and car buyers for their own national series.

[wedge]

Even with a revised aero package the cars still leave me cold. Still can't help thinking they're glorified prototypes. I mean, seeing DTM cars banging doors - make that fenders just doesn't give me the satisfaction and enjoyment of hard racing compared with say NASCAR, V8SC or even BTCC.

[kober]

But who except a few die-hard enthusiasts would watch? It is a national series, after all, and thus of little interest outside Germany.It's true that only four out of ten races are held outside of the country, but on contrary as many as 16 out of 22 drivers are foreigners. Plus, I've found the desire to own a top-tier German car (BMW, Merc or even Audi) to be universal on both sides of Atlantic, so one shouldn't assume that nobody would watch it. If I recall correctly, the previous incarnation of DTM was rather popular outside of Germany.


Even with a revised aero package the cars still leave me cold. Still can't help thinking they're glorified prototypes. I mean, seeing DTM cars banging doors - make that fenders just doesn't give me the satisfaction and enjoyment of hard racing compared with say NASCAR, V8SC or even BTCC.Can't expect that everybody enjoys the same - personally, I've found the first round of the season much more enjoyable then any of NASCAR "races" ;)

[BDunnell]

It's true that only four out of ten races are held outside of the country, but on contrary as many as 16 out of 22 drivers are foreigners. Plus, I've found the desire to own a top-tier German car (BMW, Merc or even Audi) to be universal on both sides of Atlantic, so one shouldn't assume that nobody would watch it. If I recall correctly, the previous incarnation of DTM was rather popular outside of Germany.

Yes, so popular that the ITC failed dismally. The cars may have seemed spectacular to some enthusiasts, but this isn't enough to sustain interest.

[BDunnell]

Even with a revised aero package the cars still leave me cold. Still can't help thinking they're glorified prototypes. I mean, seeing DTM cars banging doors - make that fenders just doesn't give me the satisfaction and enjoyment of hard racing compared with say NASCAR, V8SC or even BTCC.

I agree completely. A DTM race is the only motor sport event I've ever left before the end out of sheer boredom. Maybe my motorsport interests have been dumbed down, but the DTM races are too long to make anyone want really to 'go for it', and I have little interest in tactical battles.

[kober]

Yes, so popular that the ITC failed dismally. The cars may have seemed spectacular to some enthusiasts, but this isn't enough to sustain interest.I don't know the exact numbers, but I'm sure that the current cars are much cheaper to build and to run than the Class 1 machinery. Additionally, all three of the current manufactures stated that they're committed to the series for a long-term future (and why shouldn't they? it's a perfect setting for all of them), so I wouldn't worry too much about the feasibility.

[wedge]

Yes, so popular that the ITC failed dismally. The cars may have seemed spectacular to some enthusiasts, but this isn't enough to sustain interest.

Bernie once dubbed Touring Cars as "Hertz Rental car racing" then suddenly brought DTM into ITC became another casualty of Bernie/FIA screwing over a championship conspiracy theory.

Donny crowds weren't particularly good but it was the opposite elsewhere across the continent.

[AndyRAC]

Bernie once dubbed Touring Cars as "Hertz Rental car racing" then suddenly brought DTM into ITC became another casualty of Bernie/FIA screwing over a championship conspiracy theory.

Donny crowds weren't particularly good but it was the opposite elsewhere across the continent.

Which isn't a surprise. To most UK fans, Touring cars is full of crash, bang & wallop and in cars to which they can relate. I'm at odds in preferring DTM type cars, to me they're 'proper' Racing cars, lots of power, noise and RWD!!! FWD cars now leave me cold.

[MAX_THRUST]

Just been watching the second rouund of the DTM. The commentators continue to be useless. So boring and miss all the little bits of action. Got bored and turned it before the end of the race. DTM I will not be bothering with for the rest of the year. The ESPN commentators need to be fired. Get someone in who knows who driving what car, and how to pronouce their names, and then make what is essentailly a dull race sound better than it is.

[wedge]

Which isn't a surprise. To most UK fans, Touring cars is full of crash, bang & wallop and in cars to which they can relate. I'm at odds in preferring DTM type cars, to me they're 'proper' Racing cars, lots of power, noise and RWD!!! FWD cars now leave me cold.

What noise? 6.2L AMG V8 can give a GM V8 a run for its money.

They may be a 'proper' race car but akin to fragile prototypes, not 'proper' Touring Cars that can take some crash, bang & wallop without bits of carbon fibre flying off.

For me, the best Touring Car series is V8SC - everything is just right: the cars, driving standards, race formats. Only thing missing are drivers that devoid 'character' and arguably too nice for their own good.

[jens]

Not many seem keen on commenting on the season. :)

For me DTM 2012 created a lot of excitement due to new cars, new manufacturer (BMW) and drivers switching teams (Spengler, Tomczyk). Based on winter testing it looked like BMW might lag behind, but once the season started, they have proven to have the ability to fight at the sharp end of the grid, making this season very open and close! If a top driver happens to have a bad weekend, he can easily find himself from the rear end of the grid - such is the depth of the field.

Mercedes looks very good and consistent in race trim, so naturally Paffett is currently in prime position for the championship. But let's see if BMW can challenge for the title already on their debut season after winning only their second race after comeback. Audi has been struggling in race trim so far, but they can never be counted out for the future.

[Eurotech]

Only thing missing are drivers that devoid 'character' and arguably too nice for their own good.
Yeah true, its like a club racing series where everyone's just happy to be out racing most of the time... the occasional argument would be nice

[djparky]

Yes, so popular that the ITC failed dismally. The cars may have seemed spectacular to some enthusiasts, but this isn't enough to sustain interest.

Problem with the ITC is that it became so expensive that Opel and Alfa couldn't afford it. Shame I really liked the series back in the 90's- I remember watching it at Donnington and Silverstone. The "new" DTM has tried too hard to be F1 with a roof- and the racing (especially after Opel pulled out) suffered as a result. I've watched the first couple of races via the internet and Laustiz was a bit like the no-overtaking DTM of recent times- Hockenheim was much better.

I like the look of the cars- they need more power and less aero. if it went back to Silverstone I'd go watch it again

[AndySpeed]

Totally agree. (The German-language commentary is awful as well — dull, unenthusiastic, no 'go' about it.)

It is, however, quite easy to understand for someone who is still learning German. The commentators speak very clearly. Imagine a German trying to learn English with John Hindhaugh's commentary, for example...

[Dave B]

I've just watched the Lausitzring highlights. Oh dear. It didn't look like the most absorbing race in history but it was impossible to tell from the disjointed editing and hopeless commentary. I was very surprised to see some of the names in the end credits, you'd have thought they could have done better. Maybe ITV should consider doing the programme in-house, it surely couldn't be any worse.

[BDunnell]

I've just watched the Lausitzring highlights. Oh dear. It didn't look like the most absorbing race in history but it was impossible to tell from the disjointed editing and hopeless commentary. I was very surprised to see some of the names in the end credits, you'd have thought they could have done better. Maybe ITV should consider doing the programme in-house, it surely couldn't be any worse.

Was the commentator Andrew Marriott, by any chance? If so, how he is still working in the role I have no idea.

[AndyRAC]

Yes, he does it with Dave Richardson......

[BDunnell]

Goodness me. Talk about scraping the barrel. How any of those responsible for such things could listen to him and think he's the best available for the job is utterly beyond me.

[F1boat]

New rules, same old... The cars look nice, but the racing is very dull. I started watching the second race, but mid-race switched to the WTCC, to see the wonderful victory of Norbi. FIA GT1 is also more exciting.

[Caroline]

The DTM highlights show on ITV4 has to be the most frustrating TV programme I have watched all year. As Dave said, it was disjointed and at times so difficult to watch I nearly gave up and switched off.. ..It's beyond me how the DTM can be presented so badly.

[MAX_THRUST]

I did turn it off, i can not stand the two commentators. I believe any one of us could do a better job than those guys....

[gm99]

As I'm in the UK this week-end, I am wondering if today's Brands Hatch race is being broadcast live on some channel here?

[F1boat]

Even in Brands no battle for the lead :(

[djparky]

As I'm in the UK this week-end, I am wondering if today's Brands Hatch race is being broadcast live on some channel here?

it was broadcast on ESPN- I watched it on web streaming and nothing of note happened after the first lap. quite why they don't use the GP track or go back to Silverstone ie beyond me. The cars look great, the sound great and there are some quality drivers in the field- but the racing can be very processional

[F1boat]

it was broadcast on ESPN- I watched it on web streaming and nothing of note happened after the first lap. quite why they don't use the GP track or go back to Silverstone ie beyond me. The cars look great, the sound great and there are some quality drivers in the field- but the racing can be very processional
Yes. But I have to admit, the cars are truly beautiful, especially the Mercedes...

[AndyRAC]

it was broadcast on ESPN- I watched it on web streaming and nothing of note happened after the first lap. quite why they don't use the GP track or go back to Silverstone ie beyond me. The cars look great, the sound great and there are some quality drivers in the field- but the racing can be very processional

I'm a DTM fan, but using the Indy circuit for the DTM cars is absolutely ridiculous. It does nothing to promote decent racing, more a high speed procession. Get it on the full GP track or don't bother.

[F1boat]

Honestly I think that on the other track it would have been the same. These cars are gorgeous, but too perfect.

[wedge]

It does nothing to promote decent racing, more a high speed procession.

Apart from Norisring and maybe Hockenheim that pretty much sums up a season of DTM.

Looks like Spengler will forever be cast as bridesmaid and never the bride.

[djuvecar]

Here is a DTM 2012 Season preview with David Coulthard in the Mercedes Factory:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1wfGwkaPD4

The video contains hardcoded Serbian subtitles (because it was broadcasted on the Serbian TV channel).

[djparky]

watched the A1 Ring race earlier- very entertaining it as was as well. I did see some actual overtaking as well!