DTM Calendar 2026: Salzburgring, Vila Real, or Even Berlin-Tempelhof? What’s the Future of the Series?

The ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) plans to announce the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) calendar for the 2026 season around mid-August. While keeping the venues close to their chest, the ADAC has confirmed that the season will, for cost reasons, consist of eight race weekends, mirroring previous years.

Potential New Tracks Stir Up Excitement

Despite the calendar size, speculation is rife about potential new additions, including the Salzburgring in Austria, Vila Real in Portugal, Assen in the Netherlands, and, surprisingly, even a race at the historic Berlin-Tempelhof Airport.

Salzburgring: A High-Speed Contender?

Private GT3 test sessions involving HRT, Engstler, and Schnitzelalm Racing teams took place at the Salzburgring in late July. This track, close to Munich, was a DTM candidate last year. Concerns about safety for the high-speed GT3 cars on the narrow track led to testing the waters with the ADAC GT Masters in 2025.

Ernst Penninger, Salzburgring’s CEO, clarified, “We are in contact with the ADAC, but we are not currently discussing 2026 specifically.” The focus is on the ADAC Racing Weekend with the ADAC GT Masters in September. A successful GT3 test could open doors for DTM consideration in 2027.

“We do things either 100 percent or not at all,” Penninger told Motorsport-Total.com. “It makes no sense to say we’ll do it, and then in September realize that it’s not ideal.”

Vila Real: A Street Circuit Gamble?

Vila Real, a street circuit in northern Portugal, caused calendar announcement delays last year. The city offered significant money to host the DTM, but teams feared damage and high costs. Talks are ongoing, but Vila Real hosted the TCR World Tour in July.

The Portuguese track might be a consideration if the ADAC expands the calendar in the future. Street circuits often bring a unique atmosphere and challenge, attracting fans looking for thrilling racing experiences.

Berlin-Tempelhof: An Urban Racing Dream?

Berlin is also in the mix, but political hurdles and a potential deal with Formula E would be necessary to race at the Tempelhof Airport. Bringing DTM back to the German capital would be a significant move, appealing to a large fanbase.

Assen and Zandvoort: What About the Netherlands?

Assen, a MotoGP circuit, saw impressive crowds during the ITR era. However, the DTM has a contract with Zandvoort. With Formula 1 potentially leaving Zandvoort after next year, the dune track could become even more important to the DTM.

A second race in the Netherlands isn’t impossible, but which current location would the ADAC drop? Oschersleben’s contract expired, but team owner Torsten Schubert supports the race. This suggests the 2026 calendar will closely resemble the current one.

FAQ About the Future of the DTM Calendar

Will the DTM calendar expand beyond eight races?

Teams resist more races due to cost concerns.

Is Salzburgring likely to host a DTM race in 2026?

Not likely for 2026, but potentially in 2027 after a successful GT Masters event.

What are the main obstacles for a DTM race in Berlin-Tempelhof?

Political approvals and a deal with Formula E.

Could the DTM race twice in the Netherlands?

Possible, but requires dropping a current venue.

Why is Vila Real a challenging venue for the DTM?

Teams fear damage and high costs on the street circuit.

Where will the DTM go in 2026? It’s still too early to say for sure. But with options ranging from a revitalized Salzburgring to the urban challenge of Berlin-Tempelhof, the ADAC has some exciting possibilities to consider.