Photo: DTM Media

Audi, BMW, Mercedes and ITR agree to scrap performance weights in the DTM

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Audi, BMW and Mercedes, the three manufacturers officially involved in the DTM, have unanimously agreed to abolish the performance weights system with immediate effect.

The decision has not yet been approved by the DMSB, the German ASN, but the two remaining rounds of the season at Spielberg and Hockenheim are planned to be run with the cars returning to their initial base weight of 1,125kg. The abolition will also be valid for the coming season.

The three manufactures have also agreed to optimise the aerodynamics regulations for 2018, with standardised geometries to be specified for selected aerodynamic components.

Series promoter ITR chairman Gerhard Berger, a long-time supporter of the abolition, said: “All the participants have heard the voices of the fans. I am delighted that the manufacturers are pulling together and have decided on the sport. This is a strong signal for the DTM. We will be shortly submit a proposal to the DMSB. Since the DMSB had already signaled the support of a unanimous proposal submitted by ITR and manufacturers, I reckon we’ll have the approval of the association.”

Head of BMW Motorsport Jens Marquardt added: “This is a good day for the DTM, its fans and real motorsport. Today there are only winners. Over the past few weeks, we have intensively looked for a solution with all parties and found it in a consensus. For the coming months, we will build on it and make the DTM fit for the future. This platform is even more attractive – and open to other manufacturers.”

“I am pleased that the discussion about the performance weights is finally off the table and the sporting competition is again in the foreground,” said Audi boss Dieter Gass. “We still have four races in the fight for the championship and every manufacturer is represented in the top four with at least one driver. It’s all open and will certainly remain exciting until recently.”

Head of DTM at Mercedes AMG Ulrich Fritz was also satisfied with the agreement, an initiative he had pushed for since the beginning of the season: “We are very happy that we finally managed to reach an agreement and the way is thus free to abolish the performance weights. The DTM fulfills the wishes of fans and drivers. I’m sure we’ll have a hot fight for the title. We are now looking forward to the fact that the discussions about the weights are finally coming to an end and the sport is again more focused.”