Formula E and DTM Collaboration at Norisring Ends
Discussions between Formula E and the DTM about a potential partnership at the Norisring have collapsed, putting an end to plans that could have seen the electric racing series compete on the iconic street circuit in 2027.
According to Motorsport-Total.com, representatives from Formula E and the DTM promoter ADAC met in Nuremberg at the end of February to explore a possible collaboration. The initiative was reportedly driven by Formula E, which was looking to change its venue within Germany after several years of racing in Berlin. The ADAC, for its part, showed openness to the idea, provided there were synergies that would help reduce event costs.
Potential for Joint Events in Nuremberg
Initially, the city of Nuremberg was interested in hosting both series on the same weekend. However, this idea was quickly abandoned due to conflicting sponsor requirements. According to the organising Motorsport-Club Nurnberg (MCN), it would not have been feasible to adapt the visual branding of the street circuit quickly enough between sessions, especially given the limited use of digital advertising infrastructure.
Additionally, sharing the track would have required compromises on TV scheduling. As a result, the concept shifted to separate weekends: Formula E, which only requires the circuit for a Friday evening practice session, plus second practice, qualifying, and the race on Saturday, was scheduled for 25–26 June 2027, while DTM would retain its traditional date of 2–4 July.
Modifications to Norisring Raise Concerns
However, following the meeting in Nuremberg, ADAC representatives reportedly pulled out of the discussions. The reason appears to be unexpected demands from Formula E. During an evaluation of the circuit, Formula E officials concluded that the 2.162km layout — particularly the section between the Grundig hairpin and Dutzendteich — would be too short for the more powerful Gen4 cars set to be introduced from late 2026. Lap times would likely have been just over 40 seconds, creating potential issues with a full grid of 24 cars.
Formula E proposed modifying the layout, suggesting a new hairpin near the Frankenstadion. The plan would have seen cars turn right after the pits, at the former Scholler-S (now the Thomas Sommer corner), heading towards the Frankenstadion. A new hairpin would then have guided the cars onto the stadium parking lot before rejoining the original circuit. An alternative option was also considered, involving a continuation straight on past the current Grundig hairpin — as was the case until 1971 — with a new, repositioned hairpin further down the road.
Cost and Impact on DTM
Beyond the significantly higher costs, such changes would also have had implications for the DTM, including the loss of certain grandstands and therefore spectator capacity. As a result, the potential synergies would have been limited, particularly as the restoration of the Steintribune grandstand already reduces standing-room capacity until 2028.
DTM’s Future in Berlin-Tempelhof?
The swift, multi-year extension of Formula E’s contract in Berlin may come as a surprise, but it could prove beneficial for the DTM. The ADAC-run series could revisit plans to utilise the Tempelhof circuit, potentially adding another German venue to its calendar. Those plans had appeared unlikely amid Formula E’s Nuremberg ambitions.
Realistically, however, any such move for the DTM would not happen before 2028 at the earliest, as the project would require political backing due to local conditions. Since state elections will not take place in Berlin until 20 September 2026, the future political landscape — and its impact on such plans — remains uncertain.
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