DTM WANTS GREAT BRITISH FUTURE
DTM boss Gerhard Berger wants to build a long-term future for the series at Brands Hatch after its return earlier this month.
The ex-formula 1 driver believes the Motorsport Vision facility’s Grand Prix circuit is the perfect arena for building a successful UK DTM fixture.
Berger, who took the reigns of the DTM organiser, ITR, ahead of the 2017 season, told Autosport: “I love to be here because this is a place where our product works. This is the type of circuit that has a motorsport soul — it smells of motorsport and is the kind of track where the DTM should be. I would like us to stay for the long-term.
“I would love a full-house here, but it will take two, three or four years.”
He stressed the importance of having a DTM fixture in the UK, which has been absent from the schedule since 2013. That event – on the Indy layout – was the last of the eight events at the track.
“I feel exactly the same way as Gerhard — if the DTM wants to come back, we will be pleased to work with them,” added MSV boss Jonathan Palmer.
“We started with a one-year deal and that was the right way to do it.
“The Indy circuit, which the ITR previously wanted, doesn’t have the majesty of the Grand Prix track.
“Gerhard was adamant from the outset that we should race on the GP circuit, and he was absolutely right.”
But Palmer also revealed that he was open to talking to Berger and the ITR about switching the fixture to MSV’S Donington Park venue after hearing drivers’ criticism of the lack of overtaking at Brands.
“Each circuit has it strengths and Donington is a circuit with great facilities now,” he said.
“My feeling that is Brands is the place to have the DTM because it is closer to Europe and has the bigger catchment area. I’m sure it will always get the bigger crowd.”
Audi’s Jamie Green was among drivers suggesting Donington, which last hosted the series in 2003 ( inset, above), was the more suitable home for the DTM in the UK.
“The DTM should definitely be here in Britain, but whether this [Brands] is the right venue... it’s difficult to overtake,” he said.
“I think Donington is probably more suitable because you can overtake — on the Grand Prix circuit you’ve got places like the hairpin and Goddards for passing.
“You still have the corners that are a real challenge at high speed too like the Craner Curves, the Old Hairpin and Coppice.”