Outside Line: DTM here we come for real racing as Formula 1 goes quiet for a second off-season

My grievances regarding the new Formula 1 'show' are well documented. But this, this report is not about that. This is positive. Looking at the motorsport landscape, I decided that for my fix this year, I will try to attend as many DTM race weekends as possible.

In doing so, I kill several birds with one stone. First and foremost, I get to witness young Rashid Al Dhaheri, a talented kid we have followed since he started karting over a decade ago, now set for his second season in FRECA.

Then there is DTM itself, which, to me, despite losing the tin-top prototype formula of the past and going the GT3 route, continues to deliver truly iconic racing moments.

I had the pleasure of visiting Hockenheim last year, and I was treated to what Formula 1 used to be: a normal racing event, packed to capacity, with people at the track milling around, knowledgeable fans, accessible drivers, accessible cars, and an open paddock.

Food is cheaper by a large margin. Tickets are far more affordable. And it is just a weekend of pure racing where, as a fan, you actually smell the rubber, you smell the fuel. You feel it, racing in the blood. It is a fantastic event.

GT3 cars are brutes. Huge, almost a ton of metal and power, driven by some of the finest drivers in tin-top racing. Among them, none other than my South African homie, ace Kelvin van der Linde, will spearhead the BMW onslaught. He is always worth a watch.

And of course, there is always a sprinkling of Formula 1 personalities in the paddock and on the grid, which adds to the show. Maybe good for a quote or two. Who knows?

I am pleased to announce that I will be attending DTM Round 1 at the Red Bull Ring at the end of the month and will be reporting from the weekend as we seek an alternative to the fake racing that Formula 1 has become. The anti-racing formula. A proper fix of motorsport as it was meant to be. This is my quest.

To our GRANDPRIX247 readers, brace yourselves for DTM insights. Do yourselves a favour: if you like DTM and real racing, check out their channel, get up to date. Their media and PR are top-notch, and the races are streamed live on the DTM YouTube channel. They are worth your time.

From my side, we will aim to bring as much content as possible from that weekend, perhaps with daily reports and reflections thereafter. Seeking a real racing injection!