The DTM has changed the venue for its official pre-season test from Monza in Italy to the Hockenheimring in Germany due to the increasing number of coronavirus cases in northern Italy.
The DTM will visit Monza for the first time in its history this year when the series races at the iconic Italian circuit on 27 – 28 June.
In preparation for that event, the fifth of the season, the series had planned to stage its official DTM test session at the circuit next month.
However ITR GmbH, the organiser of the series, has now confirmed that the test will be moved to Hockenheimring for the same week (March 16 – 19) due to the escalating COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation in the country.
“It’s become increasingly apparent that the spread and containment of the coronavirus is sadly affecting society in many different and deepening ways,” said ITR Managing Director Marcel Mohaupt.
“With the safety and well-being of everyone at the forefront of our thinking, we took the decision to relocate our pre-season test to a different venue.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone at Monza and Hockenheim for their co-operation in this matter, and we look forward to visiting Italy in the summer for DTM’s first-ever event at this legendary circuit.”