The DTM will return to China in 2014, with a street race either on the streets of Shanghai or Guangdong, the DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V. have announced.
The 2014 race will be the third time that the DTM will visit China, having previously raced in 2004 and 2010. The 2004 race was an invitational race which Gary Paffett won while the 2010 race was the finale which Paffett won again while Scotsman Paul Di Resta secured the title before his move into Formula 1 with Force India.
ITR and the Chinese Brilliant Culture Group have confirmed that the 2014 DTM race of China won’t be the season finale while being hosted in the autumn.
“We are delighted that we are allowed to be guests with the DTM in China for the third time,” explains Hans Werner Aufrecht, ITR e.V. Chairman.
“The Chinese passenger car market is among the fastest growing in the world and therefore is very important for our manufacturers Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Moreover, we see the commitment and the passion with which our Chinese partners are pushing for this project and as a result, we feel very well in China. No matter what the decision about the venue will be: we will be racing in one of the biggest cities in the world.”
BMW will be making their debut in China when the DTM returns to Asia in 2014 while Audi and Mercedes have raced there previously.
“China is ready for DTM’s return. We are now the largest car market in the world and the Chinese fans of Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz are looking forward to seeing their favourite manufacturers’ race here again. DTM will no doubt help grow motorsports culture in China, added Maggie Ip, Chairman of the Brilliant Culture Group.
Round 6 of the 2013 DTM takes place this weekend at the Moscow Raceway in Russia, the first ever DTM race in the former Soviet country.