Photo: DTM Media

FIA World Rallycross to support the 2015 DTM season opener

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World Rallycross (WRX) championship promoter IMG has reached an agreement with FIA and ITR to include an event in the 2015 calendar, to be held as a support race at the DTM season opener in Hockenheim.

A purpose built circuit will be set in the iconic stadium area of the German track, featuring tarmac sectors, off track sections and jumps.

The event will feature world renowned rallycross specialists, including Audi DTM driver Mattias Ekström, who will be on a double program that weekend, as well as RX stars Jacques Villeneuve, Ken Block and Petter Solberg.

Hans-Werner Aufrecht, Chairman of DTM promoter ITR, is delighted about enhancing the racing weekend for the fans: “Whatever we do, we always do it allowing for the interests of the fans we want to provide a unique experience, at the circuit. In consideration of this fact, the FIA World Rallycross Championship suits us perfectly: the DTM high-tech touring cars and the rugged compact World RX racers represent two different, fascinating motor-sport facets. I am convinced that the motor-racing enthusiasts will love this combination.”

Marin Anayi, CEO of IMG Motorsport, promoter of the WRX, is enthusiastic about the prospects for a great motorsport show: “For us, being a partner of the 2015 DTM season kick-off represents a big honour. Now we just can’t wait for demonstrating the German crowds that World RX provides a really extraordinary motor-racing experience. And there is a natural connection between the two series: Mattias Ekström races in both championships and World RX driver Anton Marklund also contests the new Audi Sport TT Cup.”

Anayi was also excited about bringing a track with such history as Hockenheim to the WRX calendar: “We were just thrilled by the opportunity to build a rallycross circuit at one of the most famous motorsport-venues of the world. Now we have got the chance of presenting the World RX and our sport in front of a completely new audience. We are delighted about the idea to enhance this partnership with ITR and look forward to the future cooperation.”

The DTM season opener will take place from the 1st to the 3rd of May.