In the wake of the sudden and shock announcement last night that Mercedes-AMG Motorsport would officially leave the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters at the end of next year, rights holder and promoter ITR e.V. have responded to the decision made by the Stuttgart brand.
“The ITR as the organiser and promoter of the DTM regrets this step by Mercedes,” stated the promoter via the official DTM social media channels this morning.
“We have to respect the decision in a sporting and fair way. The DTM is one of the world’s most significant touring car series.
“Mercedes has announced its withdrawal at the end of the 2018 season well in advance. That gives the ITR the time to analyse the situation and to prepare a sustainable concept for the future.”
Mercedes have been a stalwart base for the DTM for many years, including the series’ reintroduction in 2000, with Audi Sport and Opel joining in the action.
Audi Sport’s message to Mercedes via Twitter was one of thanks and respect, in light of the Stuttgart brand’s success and fierce rivalry:
Hey @MercedesAMGDTM! We regret your decision to leave @DTM at the end of 2018. We had (and have) great battles! #DTM #LeagueofPerformance pic.twitter.com/8k4hrXcX99
— Audi Sport (@audisport) July 25, 2017
The Ingolstadt marque also reiterated about their ongoing commitment to the DTM, which has been under speculation for a very long time:
Top international touring car racing is a very important component of our factory motorsport strategy! #DTM #LeagueofPerformance pic.twitter.com/Y53etCfadX
— Audi Sport (@audisport) July 25, 2017