The 2019 DTM calendar has been unveiled, featuring nine race meetings and two new circuits to the schedule, whilst the races at the Red Bull Ring, Zandvoort and the Hungaroring have been dropped.
Following the announcement on Thursday that Aston Martin would join the series next year, the DTM has now published its provisional calendar for the next season.
The most notable change is the reduction to nine events, but changes in venue for the Dutch round and the omission of a round in Hungary have paved the way for new races at Assen and a return to Zolder.
Belgian circuit Zolder was once a regular fixture on the DTM calendar, but the series has not visited since 2002, with the circuit having regularly hosted DTM races in the 1980s and 1990s. Zolder also hosted the first-ever DTM race in 1984.
Likewise, Zandvoort had a long history with the DTM, staging races every year between 2001 and 2018, but has been dropped in favour of fellow Dutch circuit Assen, which has never previously hosted a DTM race.
“We keep on offering a well-balanced mix of events at Germany’s most popular racetracks and attractive circuits in further European markets,” said ITR Managing Director Achim Kostron.
“In 2018, we returned – after long breaks – to the United Kingdom and Italy – two countries with huge motor-sport tradition and enthusiastic crowds. It’s extremely important for us to keep on gaining a foothold there and increase our fan base.
“I particularly look forward to the DTM debut at Assen’s GP circuit. The Netherlands traditionally have been a constant of the DTM calendar and in 2019 we will hold our debut meeting at the tradition-rich TT Circuit.
“And the comeback at Zolder, so to speak the ‘birthplace’ of DTM, of course has got a very special charm.”
In addition to unveiling its new calendar, the DTM also announced a change in the support programme for the series. The all-new W Series single-seater category for female racers will initially be staged exclusively with the DTM, whilst the Porsche Carrera Cup will return after a one-year break.
The pre-season tests for the DTM will take place at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz from the 15 to 18 April.
Provisional 2019 DTM calendar
3 – 5 May: Hockenheimring
17 – 19 May: Circuit Zolder
7 – 9 June: Misano World Circuit
5 – 7 July: Norisring
19 – 21 July: TT Circuit Assen
10 – 11 August: Brands Hatch
23 – 25 August: EuroSpeedway Lausitz
13 – 15 September: Nürburgring
4 – 6 October: Hockenheimring