The DTM has confirmed that it will return to Circuit Zolder in Belgium in its 2020 season, after umbrella organisation ITR GmbH signed an extension for an unspecified period of time for the series to return.
Zolder was historically an iconic circuit for the DTM in its formative years, hosting the German series typically as the first round of the season until the mid-1990s.
The Belgian circuit then made a single appearance in the Masters-era in 2002, before disappearing from the DTM calendar for the next 17 years, until its return in 2019.
The circuit will once again host the DTM in 2020 after a successful return to the calendar this year.
“This year’s return to Zolder was a complete success for us,” said ITR Managing Director Achim Kostron. “The Circuit Zolder is a special venue for the DTM, a historic and unforgiving racetrack that perfectly reflects our racing DNA. We saw that in May, when we returned for two fantastic, exciting races.
“The Zolder promoters have been fantastic – they’ve done everything right. We’re pleased and excited to be continuing our excellent co-operation on that basis.”
Sven Pribylla, General Manager of Circuit Zolder, cited the importance of hosting the DTM in raising the international profile of the circuit.
“It’s an honour to extend our fantastic collaboration with one of the world’s best motorsport series,” added Pribylla. “We’ve reached this agreement through excellent teamwork: we have total faith in the goals and aspirations of the DTM, whose ambitions perfectly match our own.
“The beginning of our partnership earlier this year was an important first step in returning Circuit Zolder to international level.”
Current DTM championship leader René Rast and the most recent winner at Zolder praised the circuit for its challenges for the drivers.
“I’m very happy that we are going back to Zolder next season”, said Rast. “It’s a very good venue: a really cool track for us drivers, but technically very challenging.
“I won there this year, which was obviously a positive, but I also like the track and its atmosphere – that’s why I’m really looking forward to next year.”
As well as Zolder, the Nürburgring and Assen in The Netherlands have already secured contracts to host the DTM in 2020. The full calendar, including race dates, is yet to be published.