DTM: Eyeing Japanese GT tie-up

[Plex]

A delegation from the DTM-organising ITR will travel to Japan to discuss the possibility of allowing the German touring cars and Super GT machinery to race together in the future, this week's AUTOSPORT magazine reports.

A number of options are believed to be on the table. One would be to equate the performance of DTM and Japanese GT500 cars to allow them to run together. A move towards Super GT regulations by the DTM, which is due to introduce new rules in 2011 or '12, could be another.

The GT Association, which runs Super GT, is unlikely to be willing to change its rules, given that a new formula is in the process of being phased in. Either move could give the German touring series the third manufacturer necessary to secure its long-term future.

The visit, which follows an ITR presence at the Super GT finale at Motegi in November, comes in the wake of renewed rumours that Toyota, possibly with the Lexus brand, is evaluating a DTM entry.

An accord between the DTM and Super GT could help lure BMW into the German series.

Japan is one of the biggest markets for its M-brand cars, which explains its presence at the inaugural Asian Le Mans Series races at Okayama five weeks ago.

BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen has stated that the Munich manufacturer would not build a car specifically for the DTM. That is why it pushed for the adoption of GT regulations to allow it to compete with its V8-powered M3 from the American Le Mans Series.

Theissen said: "We have talked to the ITR, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest [at Le Mans], the FIA and to the Japanese. If something like this happened, it would be beneficial to GT sport as a whole."

DTM and GT500 cars are similar in concept in that they are front-engined, V8-powered silhouette racers. Honda's new-for-2010 Super GT contender looks certain to be front-engined. However, they differ in the architecture underneath their lookalike bodies: a DTM car is built around a spaceframe chassis, while a GT500 car has a carbonfibre monocoque.

Although they have similar power outputs around the 500bhp mark, Super GT cars are almost certainly quicker. The DTM runs a spec tyre from Dunlop, whereas several suppliers produce the wider tyres used in Super GT.

The ITR has yet to comment on the forthcoming meeting, but the GT Association has admitted that it will be receiving a delegation from the DTM.

A spokesman said: "They want to talk about regulations with the intention of a possible link-up between our two series."
The spokesman added that the GTA does not consider it a "matter for the very near future", without elaborating on what that meant.

Autosport

[Plex]

Specifications of the new DTM car

Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters-organiser ITR has put forward a proposal on specifications for their new car, set to be introduced in 2011 or 2012. ITR is looking to merge the new DTM rules with the GT500 class of the Japanese Super GT-series.

Japanese magazine Autosport reported the following specifications suggested for the new DTM/GT500 car:

- Common carbon monocoque with roll cage
- Wheelbase of 2850 mm
- Common front and rear overhang
- Common front spoiler and rear diffuser
- V8 engine of yet to be announced size
- Limited number of engines during season
- Introduction of "design line" where on one side all cars are common
- 51% cost reduction compared to current DTM regulations

A DTM car is reported to have been brought over to Japan for a comparison with a GT500 car. Spanish site Sportmotores reported that the difference between the both cars were seven seconds per lap.

The Japanese teams are seemingly positive about the new plans but think that it will not be ready for next year.

"The negotiations are positive if you think about the future. But I do not think the regulations will be put in to force before 2012," said NISMO president Sanda to the Japanese magazine Autosport.

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