Mercedes CLK DTM 2000

The AMG Mercedes CLK DTM has been enhanced within the strict limits laid down in the championship’s regulations for the 2002 DTM season.

It has a completely new body and space frame and is more aerodynamically efficient. The kinematics of the redesigned suspension have been optimised for the new Dunlop tyres, which are taller and wider than the previous ones. Enhancements have also been made to various details of the engine.

The CLK DTM will be driven by defending champion Bernd Schneider , runner-up Uwe Alzen, Marcel Fässler and Jean Alesi who retired from Formula One after 201 Grands Prix after the 2001 season and entered DTM.

The close competition is also a consequence of the stable and strict regulations which allow only one engine (with an output limited to about 470 hp) per vehicle per season for practice sessions and one for racing.

Another consequence of this rule and the restrictions on practice time is that costs have been reduced. For the 2002 season, the existing format of the short qualifying race (about 35 kilometres) and the main race (about 100 kilometres) has been retained. However, both now feature standing starts, as in Grand Prix racing.

Scoring is also based on the Grand Prix model: 10 points for the winner, then six, four, three, two and one point down to sixth place; the winner of the qualifying race scores three points, the runner-up two, and the third across the line receives one point.