Spa-Francorchamps: difficult birth: Berger struggles to DTM future

The DTM grid in your restart the computer after the Corona-forced to pause against her impending end. More than three months after the announced farewell from t

Spa-Francorchamps: difficult birth: Berger struggles to DTM future

The DTM grid in your restart the computer after the Corona-forced to pause against her impending end. More than three months after the announced farewell from the Audi to the end of the year, series boss Gerhard Berger wrestles with the future ability of the German touring car Masters (DTM).

Before the departure into the Notsaison in Belgium with a formula 1 inspired Hygiene - and safety concept of uncertainty further. "First of all, you have to say: it starts! And whether it is the year of the Farewell, is still open. The discussions are in full swing,“ said DTM Boss Berger of the German press Agency before the reboot this weekend in Spa-Francorchamps. The last time drove the DTM in 2005, on the traditional track in the Ardennes. "I'm still positive and confident, but must admit: this Time It is just a difficult birth."

Berger is running out of time. Of the internationalization of the series, no question. For the former formula-1 pilots, therefore, there are only two realistic options: the end of the DTM, or a realignment with GT3 cars.

"It has come a time where you have to think about the resolution of the DTM. If none of the German manufacturers are willing to support this platform and this series, it's tight," admitted Berger Recently in the show "Sport und Talk aus dem Hangar-7" at Servus TV. If the DTM umbrella organization ITR wants to lead the series but continue, "then we need to make a GT3, because it is the only technical regulations, where many manufacturers are involved. It is obvious, that one goes on GT3.“

Ironically, starts at the lausitzring in the ADAC GT Masters. In the successful series of cars of the category GT3 from manufacturers such as Mercedes, Porsche, Lamborghini or Bentley for years. Why should this shift but their functioning platform, or even leave? Berger would have to pay any amount of Persuasion.

The Austrian is hoping that the shortest DTM season in its history is also its last. For the restart, with a strict Hygiene and safety concept, he has got an object lesson in the case of the formula 1 in Spielberg. "I was in Austria and I can say that The formula 1 guys were so conscientious of how our guys, all of them are aware of their responsibility to the subject fully aware of," said Berger. "That was a good and important preparation for our current race in Spa."

As in the formula 1 is also driven in the DTM in front of empty stands. It does not apply only before the first Free Training on Saturday (9.00 am/pick up.de) contact restrictions, spacing rules, and mask compulsory. Missteps in the tightly timed calendar with nine Events in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands up to the season finale at 8. October in Hockenheim would be fatal.

There are Driver variables, such as the former formula 1 driver Robert Kubica or Timo Glock (both BMW) as the favourite for the overall victory René Rast, however, apply. "The third title would mean a lot to me," said the Audi driver, who was already in 2017 and 2019, successfully.

The DTM-Notkalender for the season 2020.

location, country of appointment* Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium 01.-02.08. Lausitzring, Germany 14.-16.08. Eurospeedway Lausitz Germany 21.-23.08. Assen, The Netherlands 04.-06.09. Nürburgring, Germany 11.-13.09. Nürburgring, Germany 18.-20.09. Zolder, Belgium 09.-11.10. Zolder, Belgium 16.-18.10. Hockenheim Ring Germany 06.-08.11.

* race each Saturday/Sunday, with a planned Start to 13.33 PM

© dpa-infocom, dpa:200729-99-971361/5

dpa

Date Of Update: 30 July 2020, 08:26
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