Talks between Formula E and the DTM about a potential collaboration at the Norisring have broken down, ending plans that could have seen the electric champion race at the famous street circuit in 2027.

According to Motorsport.com's sister title Motorsport-Total.com, representatives of Formula E and DTM promoter the ADAC met in Nuremberg at the end of February to explore a potential collaboration.

The initiative appears to have come from Formula E, which was evaluating a change of venue within Germany after racing in Berlin for several years. The ADAC, for its part, was open to the idea, provided there were synergies that would help reduce event costs.

Idea: DTM and Formula E on the same day in Nuremberg?

Initially, the city of Nuremberg favoured hosting both series on the same weekend. However, that idea was quickly dropped due to differing sponsor requirements. According to the organising Motorsport-Club Nurnberg (MCN), it would not have been possible to adapt the visual branding of the street circuit quickly enough between sessions, particularly given the limited use of digital advertising infrastructure.

In addition, 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 slated for 25–26 June 2027, while DTM would retain its traditional date of 2–4 July.

Norisring modifications: Why ADAC ended the talks

However, following the meeting in Nuremberg, ADAC representatives are understood to have pulled out of the discussions. The reason appears to have been unexpected demands from Formula E.

During an evaluation of the circuit, Formula E officials reportedly 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 new hairpin near the Frankenstadion

Sources indicate that Formula E even put forward a proposal to modify the layout. 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.

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.

Does this revive DTM’s chances at 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.

DTM 2026: Full 21-car entry list

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