The 2012 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season was the thirteenth season of Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters since the series' resumption in 2000. New regulations applied from the 2012 season (see below). BMW returned to the championship for the first time since 1993.
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.
Refuelling during the race was banned after 11 years due to safety concerns to avoid cut costs.
For the first time since 2003 season that DTM reintroduced the 2-door coupé-style cars respectively. The 4-door sedan-style cars (required since 2004) were permanently retired after 2011 season.
After 11 years, the manual gearbox shifters would be replaced by newly-mandatory sequential semi-automatic gearbox paddle shifters respectively for all DTM cars to make easier shifting rather than manual shifters.
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 single-element plane wing instead of dual-element plane wing to create downforce.
The fuel tank capacity of all DTM cars were increased to 120 L (32 US gal) instead of usual 65–70 L (17–18 US gal) 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.
Changed Teams
2011 champion Martin Tomczyk left Team Phoenix and Audi to join Team RMG, one of the three teams running BMW machinery.
2011 runner-up Bruno Spengler left Mercedes' HWA Team and also joined BMW with Team Schnitzer.
Rahel Frey left Team Phoenix to join Abt Sportsline, with Mike Rockenfeller and Miguel Molina moving over from Abt to fill the seats at Team Phoenix.
Christian Vietoris switched from Persson Motorsport to HWA Team.
Entering DTM
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.
Formula 3 Euro Series champion Roberto Merhi and Formula Renault 3.5 Series champion Robert Wickens joined Mercedes teams Persson Motorsport and Mücke Motorsport respectively.
After competing in Auto GP, French driver Adrien Tambay joined Abt Sportsline for his debut in the series.
Leaving DTM
Maro Engel left the series.
Oliver Jarvis was promoted to the Audi LMP1 sportscar squad and the FIA GT1 World Championship with Team WRT, and was replaced by Adrien Tambay.
Renger van der Zande left the DTM series.
Race calendar and results
An eleven-round calendar was announced on 11 November, including the non-championship event in Munich.
Championship standings
Scoring system
Points are awarded to the top ten classified finishers as follows:
Notes:
† — Driver retired, but was classified as they completed 90% of the winner's race distance.
‡ — No points are awarded for the non-championship Munich Olympiastadion event.
Notes:
† — Driver retired, but was classified as they completed 90% of the winner's race distance.
‡ — No points are awarded for the non-championship Munich Olympiastadion event.
Notes:
‡ — No points are awarded for the non-championship Munich Olympiastadion event.
