The opening DTM races of the 2003 season have seen Mercedes take a brace of victories. In the first round, held at Hockenheim three weeks ago, it was the experienced Bernd Schneider who emerged victorious at the end of the wet race. In contrast, race two of the 10-event season saw a maiden win for 24 year-old Dutchman Christian Albers, now in his third season in the series.

The DTM boasts a grid packed with names that any motorsport fan cannot fail to recognise. Former F1 racer Jean Alesi tops the bill, with supporting acts including Karl Wenglinger (F1), Alain Menu (BTCC champion, 1997 and 2000), Laurent Aiello (BTCC champion 1999), Joachim Winkelhock, Peter Dumbreck and many more.

The DTM trails the British Touring Car Championship in terms of manufacturer participation, with just Mercedes, Audi and Opel fielding entries, however each manufacturer is represented by up to 9 drivers. The 2002 season saw Laurent Aiello (Audi) battle it out with Schneider (Mercedes) for the championship - the double BTCC champion eventually gaining the upper hand to claim the title by six points.

The regulations differ somewhat from those seen in the UK - powerful V8 engines make for fast & furious racing, whilst control tyres and standard parts, including gearboxes and brakes, ensure no team can gain an unfair advantage. As in the BTCC, teams are limited to the number of engines they can use during the season, with current regulations set at three engines for two drivers.

The qualifying format is that of a 'one-shot showdown' or 'superpole', which can make for entertaining grid line-ups. New for 2003 is a single race at each meeting, with two mandatory pitstops for each driver, changing all four wheels on both occasions. Fuel strategy also comes in to play as the tanks on the car cannot hold enough fuel to cover the whole race distance - hence pitstops have to timed accordingly.

In 2003 the DTM benefits from the same live coverage as the BTCC, with all races being shown Europe-wide on Motors TV.

Whilst based in Germany, in 2003 the series also visits Italy, Austria, the Netherlands and Britain, coming to Donington Park at the end of July. The photos on this page are from the opening two meetings of the season at Hockenheim and Adria, courtesy of Andrew Jackson Photography (www.aj-photo.co.uk).

Click here for a full gallery of images.