DTM DTM 2020 - Page 2

**FIRE** · 5 Oct 2019, 17:28 (Ref:3932091)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt K

Yep they have a huge following in Germany so it's not right to take the series away from German fans. Especially if they go to Russia instead.

I don't think Audi and BMW want to invest this money in a Germany only series.

Matt K · 5 Oct 2019, 18:39 (Ref:3932097)

I know they don't want to. Back in 2012 when BMW joined the series it was their demand that DTM should become more international. Audi would like to see it more international as well let alone Aston Martin. But Russia - even though it's an important market for the brands - would not attract big crowds and the track seems a bit boring.

Purist · 10 Oct 2019, 01:30 (Ref:3933013)

Well, St. Petersburg has long had a reputation for being the Russian city that feels most like a major Western European city. That, and being significantly closer to other countries, like Finland, may help the crowd situation.

As for the racing, the lap is significantly more open than Moscow Raceway, being somewhat longer and having a few less corners, with fewer being slow(ish) and more being high-speed in nature. Also, Igora has more than just the one substantial straight.

Finally, this may be something of a dry run to see how an international event goes ahead of a possible move of the Russian GP from Sochi. (In addition, one piece I've seen says they have the option/space to extend the circuit by 850 meters should they deem that necessary, bringing it up to the original F1-spec proposal.)

S griffin · 10 Oct 2019, 10:37 (Ref:3933074)

I just hope the series doesn't get ideas above it's station like it did with the ITC. Keep it close to it's roots as possible

Juntos · 10 Oct 2019, 16:17 (Ref:3933141)

In the meantime, it seems that BMW will keep the six cars: https://www.touringcartimes.com/2019...ustomer-teams/

Matt K · 24 Oct 2019, 22:05 (Ref:3936626)

R-Motorsport has terminated their deal with HWA for supply of engines and they're working on an alternative option. Aston Martin claims they are 'supportive' of R-Motorsport's programme and have committed to 2020.

I've got the impression it all looks terribly messy in the Aston/R-Motorsport camp - firstly building cars in 90 days, now they're splitting with engine supplier despite the fact they have no replacement so far. And it seems Aston Martin doesn't talk about their 'long-term commitment' either...

GusGasfuss · 25 Oct 2019, 11:55 (Ref:3936680)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt K

R-Motorsport has terminated their deal with HWA for supply of engines and they're working on an alternative option. Aston Martin claims they are 'supportive' of R-Motorsport's programme and have committed to 2020.

I've got the impression it all looks terribly messy in the Aston/R-Motorsport camp - firstly building cars in 90 days, now they're splitting with engine supplier despite the fact they have no replacement so far. And it seems Aston Martin doesn't talk about their 'long-term commitment' either...

Yes, but maybe they have already plan B...
I think, they had underestimated the costs of DTM. HWA critizised, that the budget was too small to compete with Audi & BMW. I believe, they raised now their offer to have budget for proper reliability development. Thats maybe why the offer was not taken anymore...

They need someone who is willing to give the engines for free. And factory backing is not really in place, maybe they only have some marketing help from Aston...

Matt K · 25 Oct 2019, 21:19 (Ref:3936777)

Motorsport Total says there are talks with Honda about supplying engines. Also, they've shared an interview with Andy Palmer, Aston's CEO and according to his words the brand is committed to DTM. What's interesting, he said Aston Martin is too small a company to have all motorsport programmes under 'factory roof' and they need partners such as Prodrive or R-Motorsport. He also didn't rule out hiring Aston factory drivers for DTM.

helgi · 28 Oct 2019, 11:12 (Ref:3937309)

I do not understand who do they talk to with all that "Honda in DTM" or "Audi in GT500" fairy tales. GT500 have and will have jet-ignition and 2 specs of engines per season, slight aero mods.

I bet there will be only one season (at best) for Aston with ex-HWA engines without any development, just with some helping hand from Herr Berger to make them on a par with others.

Speed-King · 30 Oct 2019, 18:28 (Ref:3937699)

Quote:

I bet there will be only one season (at best) for Aston with ex-HWA engines without any development, just with some helping hand from Herr Berger to make them on a par with others.

Berger has gone on record stating that as long as he has a say there will be no BoP in DTM.

Juntos · 1 Nov 2019, 09:48 (Ref:3937938)

There is a couple of guys in Italy interested to tune those engines for the Aston Martin team.

kurski · 3 Nov 2019, 17:10 (Ref:3938326)

Hulkenberg is likely to leave for the DTM to work with the BMW team.

S griffin · 4 Nov 2019, 09:25 (Ref:3938469)

I heard it on C4 coverage, just a shame, while he still has plenty to offer in F1

Matt K · 3 Dec 2019, 21:34 (Ref:3944633)

It seems very likely that Robert Kubica will make his DTM debut next year, quite possibly with WRT. However, this is not the only option. He'll be at Young Drivers Test and reportedly will drive both Audi and BMW.

Matt K · 11 Dec 2019, 12:14 (Ref:3946129)

Fabio Scherer and Ed Jones announced at WRT team which means the Belgians have all-new squad for 2020. It means both Fittipaldi and Aberdein are out and while I expected the former to continue his career elsewhere, the latter really impressed a few times last season and deserves a DTM seat. Will he possibly move up to a factory Audi team? I wonder whom he may replace there.