GERMAN TOURING CARS now have a Super GT future
The DTM has secured its future as a GT-based privateer series from 2021 with support from Audi and BMW. The series faced its demise after Audi withdrew from the DTM, leaving BMW on its own.
The DTM will now ditch its Class One ruleset that it had developed with Japan’s Super GT series. The series is still to confirm precisely what cars the new era of the DTM will run in 2021. It has however confirmed that the new cars would be based on GT racers.
Existing factory teams will make way for privateer outfits. They will raise their own budgets with a degree of manufacturer support. The DTM has confirmed support from both Audi and BMW.
Audi had previously admitted that it would be willing to supply its R8 GT3 cars to future DTM customers. BMW’s next-level M4-based GT3 car remains under development, but is only due to race in 2021. BMW will not fund updating the old M6 to GT3 Plus spec.
Berger has previously confirmed interest from other manufacturers on competing in the DTM. But he wanted a deal with Audi and BMW first.
“We’ve been discussing strategic options for the future of the DTM,” Berger admitted at the Nürburgring races today. “I’ve had constructive talks with Audi and BMW, and both have given us full responsibility for the future race series.
“For the moment, primarily GT cars will be running and Audi and BMW are supporting a continuation. That’s great news for all the employees and motorsport fans. “Now, I am looking forward to working on a sustainable strategy for the future.”
The news is significant for south African BMW duo Jonathan Aberdein and Sheldon van der Linde who once agin showed great pace en route to sixth and eighth in today’s races at the Eiffel circuit