Haug says DTM is a great platform

This weekend the 2009 DTM season will start at the Hockenheimring in Germany. It’s already the fourth season where there are only two manufacturers competing for the title; Audi and Mercedes. Despite that, Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug thinks DTM is one of the best platforms to get exposure for Mercedes.

“DTM represents extremely good value in terms of effective PR. After Formula One, there is probably no other motorsport series that has quite the same media impact”, Haug says.

“DTM certainly need not regard itself as the poor relative. In Germany alone, the live coverage on Saturdays and Sundays amounts to more than 30% of the viewing figures achieved by Formula One.”

One of the reasons Haug thinks the series survives is the use of standard parts. “Following its re-birth in 2000, DTM has shown the way with its use of homologated parts such as standard brakes and gearboxes. In addition, they have introduced the rule that only three engines may be used for two cars during the whole season. I could mention plenty more good examples of cost-cutting measures.”

“In DTM, we aim to operate on the most cost-efficient basis as possible and to give the public good value for money. Despite the difficult economic climate, we at Mercedes have once again managed to boost our income from sponsorship quite considerably.”

“All of which reflects very favourably on the DTM platform. At the same time, we submitted ourselves to a robust programme of raising efficiency and cutting costs over the winter months: in 2009, we expect to spend around 30% less than in 2008.”

Eventhough the income has increased, Mercedes has decided to lower the amount of cars entered this season. Whereas in 2008 there were 9 Mercedes’ at the start in DTM, this year there will be only 8 C-classes.