[7] Two time Formula One World Champion Mika Häkkinen joined the DTM with HWA Team.
[10] Markus Winkelhock left the DTM to join the Formula Renault 3.5 Series with Draco Racing.
Jarek Janiš and Bernd Mayländer were left without drives for 2005 after Team Rosberg withdrew.
[6] Audi works drivers Pierre Kaffer and Frank Stippler joined the DTM with Team Joest.
[5] Peter Dumbreck, Timo Scheider and Jeroen Bleekemolen were left without seats in the DTM due to Opel downscaling their program.