Following on from lengthy discussions between Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, BMW Motorsport, Audi Sport and DTM rights holder ITR e.V., the performance weight system that has been used by the series since 2013, has now been scrapped with immediate effect.
Despite no official sanction being given by the DMSB (German Motor Sport Federation) for approval of this change to be made, all 18 race cars will compete at the remaining two race weekends of the current campaign on exactly the same kerb weight.
This change will not be influenced by the results achieved by all three manufacturers over previous rounds, with ITR chairman Gerhard Berger expecting the DMSB to quickly mandate this change.
“All those involved listened to the fans. I am really delighted about the fact that the manufacturers act in consent and for the benefit of the series,” said Berger, who took over the role of ITR chairman from Hans-Werner Aufrecht back in March of this year.
Berger also explained that a proposal to abolish the performance weights will shortly be submitted to the DMSB, hoping that it will instigate the change, which will apparently remain after the end of this year.
“That’s a strong signal for DTM,” admitted the ex-Formula One driver and team owner.
“As the DMSB has already indicated that they will support a proposal unanimously submitted by the ITR and the manufacturers, I expect the approval of the association.”
Audi’s Head of Motorsport Dieter Gass was very happy with the decision agreed, especially as “the racing will again be given priority.”
There still are four races to be contested and every manufacturer is represented by at least one driver in the top four. The battle for the title still is wide open and will remain thrilling up to the final race.”
“Today, everyone is a winner,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, who admitted that the intense talks between all parties over the past few weeks have been able to provide a solution to help the DTM move forward.
“For the coming months, we will build on that to make DTM fit for the future. This platform will be made even more attractive – and it’s open for other manufacturers.”
Mercedes-AMG Motosport’s Ulrich Fritz echoed the sentiments of his respective counterparts, saying that “with this decision, DTM fulfills the wishes of fans and drivers.”
“I’m convinced that we are about to witness a hot battle for the title.,” said Fritz, whose outfit had a good run of form at the Nürburgring last weekend.
“A battle we look forward to and even more so as the discussions about the performance weights finally is over and the sport is back in the spotlight.”
Along with the proposal to abolish the performance weights, it has also been agreed between all parties that standardised regulations will be implemented regarding certain aerodynamic properties of the cars for 2018.