DTM and
the Japanese Super GT are making big steps forward, in their
co-operation. Since the beginning of the 2014 season, the technical
regulations – mainly in the chassis and the aero areas - have been
identical, in the two series and from 2017, there also will be joint
engine regulations: two litres, four cylinders, turbo charged. These
are the key data of the new ‘Class One’ - how it will be
internationally called. That was agreed upon by DTM rights holder and
promoter ITR e.V., the Japanese Super GT organisers GTA and all the
manufacturers involved during a joint meeting, on 30th October in
Tokyo. In addition, the American motor-racing association, IMSA, also
plans to announce races according to the new Class-One regulations.
While the
names and specific characteristics of the different race series are
supposed to be maintained, the DTM, Super GT and IMSA representatives
agreed upon a range of technical details that are to be included into
a common set of regulations, in force all over the world, under the
name ‘Class One’. The top priorities: spectacular cars, a high
level of safety and a cutback of operation and development costs.
While silhouette and looks are similar to the ones of the latest DTM
and Super-GT vehicle generations, it was agreed that turbocharged
four-cylinder two-litre engines with a horsepower output of some
600bhp will power the cars from 2017. Moreover, a range of details
like test limitations, tyre specifications and the use of DRS also
were addressed in the meeting of the so-called ‘steering committee’
of the three race series. Thanks to these moves, those involved are
convinced to be on a good way to being able to contest races in other
championships without major modifications being necessary, with a
Class One car from 2017.
“The
agreement between the leading car manufacturers in Germany and Japan
is an important milestone on the way to a set of joint, globally
implemented Class One regulations” said Hans Werner Aufrecht,
Chairman of ITR e.V. . It’s up to the manufacturers’ to decide if
they want to let their Class-1 vehicle race at Suzuka today, at the
Nürburgring next week and at Daytona in a fortnight. This
possibility provides totally new marketing opportunities for the
manufacturers. And the joint name, ‘Class One’, is an important
component, so to speak the cramp that is holding it all together.
Therefore, I’m delighted that we are going to demonstrate our
common ground, in Europe, Japan and the USA, with this distinctive
name. All these moves will help us achieving a variety of brands
never witnessed before at the highest technical level and
consequently, we will provide the crowds even more fascinating motor
sport. Isn’t it a fantastic perspective that spectacular racing
cars such as the DTM vehicles can be run all over the world at
reasonable costs, in the future?” Masaaki Bandoh, chairman of the
Japanese GTA, adds: “The meeting was very productive. We fully
agreed on the concept of the common technical regulation. This
agreement will create better conditions for car manufactures to
participate in the other series in future”.
Photos: DTM
