China and Hungary back for 2014 DTM

The 2014 DTM calendar has been announced, with a return to China and the Hungaroring on the schedule while Brands Hatch and Zandvoort have lost their rounds.

The announcement, which precludes the 2013 finale at Hockenheim sees the calendar remaining at 10 races with six in Germany and four overseas races, with Hockenheim once again hosting the opening and closing round, with Oschersleben, Norising, Nürburgring and the Lausitzring all hosting races.

“DTM most definitely has got its roots in Germany. Therefore, we won’t touch the number of German rounds on the calendar,” explains Hans Werner Aufrecht, Chairman of DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V.

The four non-German races will take in the series first trip to Hungary since 1988 when it returns to the Hungaroring, the second visit to Russia and the Moscow Raceway, The Red Bull Ring in Austria and the third appearance in China at a circuit yet to be announced.

Missing from the 2014 calendar is the DTM’s usual trip to the UK and Brands Hatch and the Dutch round at Zandvoort. Aufrecht explains that the circuits have lost their rounds as the DTM wants to explore new territories.

“We witnessed great races at these circuits and have to say thank you for the good cooperation. In 2014, however, we want turn towards other interesting markets,” he added.

The last DTM races at the Hungaroring, in 1988, were won by Venezuela’s Johnny Cecotto in a BMW.

“We are looking forward to returning to Hungary, 26 years after our first race at the Hungaroring,” Aufrecht continued. “The Formula one circuit meets the highest standards and Eastern Europe also has got a lot of DTM enthusiasm. In addition, our three manufacturers, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, have got plants not far from the circuit.”

China’s return to the DTM calendar was announced during the Norisring weekend at a venue either in Shanghai or Guangdong, with an announcement to be made at a later date. Gary Paffett is undefeated in China as he won the 2004 invitational race as well as the 2010 season finale, both for Mercedes-Benz.

“The Chinese car market is one of the fastest growing markets of the world and therefore, it has got major significance for our manufacturers. Furthermore, we can feel the extraordinary commitment and the passion of our Chinese partners for this project and therefore, we feel well cared for, there,” the Chairman ITR e.V. concluded.

The 2014 DTM Calendar*

* – Subject to the approval of the FIA

** – Subject to promoter agreements

*** – Date to be confirmed