Aston Martin joins DTM for 2019 in place of Mercedes as Brands Hatch remains
The DTM has confirmed that Aston Martin will replace Mercedes for the 2019 season, joining in partnership with R-motorsport and HWA.
R-motorsport has an existing relationship with Aston through its sportscar programme, with the new DTM project licensed by the manufacturer.
The squad has also founded a joint venture with HWA AG – a long-term Mercedes partner in the DTM – which will be responsible for the development, building and running of the DTM cars.
The DTM has confirmed that “development permitting”, R-motorsport will bring a car based on the Aston Martin Vantage road car for 2019.
It brings an end to the DTM’S longrunning attempts to find a third manufacturer to join Audi and BMW after Mercedes leaves to join Formula E.
“This decision of a luxury sportscar manufacturer such as Aston Martin is a historic event for our series and a milestone for the international orientation of DTM,” said series boss Gerhard Berger.
Berger added that the growing international ambitions of the DTM, which has now split its calendar by having half its races in Germany and the other five internationally, helped attract Aston.
Brands Hatch keeps the UK DTM date, despite suggestions that the round should move to Donington Park, while Assen replaces Zandvoort.
Both the Hungaroring and Red Bull Ring have lost their DTM dates for next year, but Zolder –which hosted the first event for original DTM forerunner the German Production Car Championship in 1984 – is back on the calendar after a 16-year absence.