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DTM presents new drivers, new circuits and new regulations

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Khatir Soltani
One week before the opening round of the 2010 DTM season at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg, the highly popular international touring car series celebrated its pre-season launch in the city of Wiesbaden this past weekend.

A total of 18 drivers will be battling for the DTM title this year. Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard will drive a Class-C Mercedes this season. “I have been racing for 26 years and had a break in 2009. I am really looking forward to the DTM, because I did better and better in every test I took part in”, said Coulthard.

Photo: DTM.com

Canadian Bruno Spengler will also drive a Class-C Mercedes for HWA this season. “I was great to meet the fans in Wiesbaden. I discovered a very nice city. A lot of people attended the launch of the new season. I heard they were 110 000 out there! Now I am fully focus on the opening round held this weekend in Hockenheim,” said Spengler to Auto123.com.

New additions to the DTM schedule are the rounds at Valencia in Spain and Shanghai. For the first time, China will host the DTM season finale.

Photo: DTM.com

ITR, the organizers of the DTM series, are currently working very hard to change the regulation and attract new car manufacturers. This season should be the last with the current rules and regulations. Next year should see the DTM move closer to the various GT series held throughout the world, and apparently BMW is tipped to be considering a move to DTM in the near future.

ITR chairman Hans Werner Aufrecht is expecting a thrilling season, in spite of the regulations remaining unchanged.

“It is obvious that the DTM is responding to the current economic situation, too. Therefore, we have decided to reduce the costly development of the cars,” he said.

“Nevertheless, I am expecting great competition at the track and I am looking forward to the new season.” Additionally, result-based handicap weights have been abandoned for the 2010 season. 2009-spec cars will have a minimum weight of 1050 kg, the minimum weight for 2008-spec cars is 1025 kg.”


photo:DTM.com
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 8 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada