Photo: DTM Media

DTM to come up with “sustainable concept” following Mercedes departure

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The DTM promoter, ITR, has said Mercedes’ advance notice of its withdrawal from the championship will give it enough time to “prepare a sustainable concept for the future”.

Mercedes sprung a surprise on Monday evening by confirming it would withdraw from the championship at the end of 2018 to focus on a new campaign in Formula E, alongside its primary motorsport
programme in the Formula 1 World Championship.

The decision brings to an end to Mercedes’ mainstay involvement in the DTM, and potentially reduces the championship to just two manufacturers for 2019, Audi and BMW.

“The ITR as the organiser and promoter of the DTM regrets this step by Mercedes,” read the DTM’s official statement.

“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.”