The DTM will stage a race in China again in 2014. DTM rights holder and promoter,
ITR e.V., and the Chinese Brilliant Culture Group have agreed upon a race for the most popular international touring car series in a Chinese metropolis next year. This round is to take place in the autumn of 2014, but, other than in 2010, will not be the final round of the season. The venue is yet to be decided. The decision whether the DTM will again be racing in Shanghai, or in Guangdong in the south of China, also known as Canton, will be taken at a later stage.
“We are delighted that we are allowed to be guests with the DTM in China for the third time. The Chinese passenger car market is among the fastest growing in the world and therefore is very important for our manufacturers Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Moreover, we see the commitment and the passion with which our Chinese partners are pushing for this project and as a result, we feel very well in China. No matter what the decision about the venue will be: we will be racing in one of the biggest cities in the world,” says Hans Werner Aufrecht, chairman of the board of ITR e.V.
“China is ready for DTM’s return. We are now the largest car market in the world and the Chinese fans of Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz are looking forward to seeing their favourite manufacturers race here again. DTM will no doubt help grow motorsports culture in China,” says Maggie Ip, Chairman of the Brilliant Culture Group.
The DTM already raced in China in 2004 and 2010, each time in Shanghai. In 2004, Gary Paffett won an invitation race from his fellow Mercedes-Benz driver Bernd Schneider and Audi driver Mattias Ekström. In 2010, Gary Paffett again won the race, but second place from Timo Scheider (Audi) was enough for his Mercedes-Benz team-mate Paul di Resta to secure the title. While Audi and Mercedes-Benz have already raced in China, the race in 2014 will be a premiere for BMW.
