The 2012 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters was the twenty-sixth season of premier German touring car championship and also thirteenth season under the moniker of Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) since the series' resumption in 2000. New regulations applied for the 2012 season (see below). BMW returned to the championship for the first time since 1994.[1] It was also the last time non-European driver to won the DTM title until South African Sheldon van der Linde in 2022 season.
It was a triumphant return for BMW after returning from 18 years absence, and a dismal year for Mercedes-Benz AMG only rescued by early three official victories courtesy of Gary Paffett in Hockenheimring and Brands Hatch twice and Jamie Green in Norisring only (with an exception of Ralf Schumacher and Jamie Green in Showevent Olympiastadion München relay races respectively because of exhibition event).