German DTM And Japanese Super GT Racing Series Sign Cooperation Contract

The German Touring Car Championship (DTM) and the Japanese Super GT have "signed a cooperation contract" that allows new manufacturers to enter the two racing series, according to the DPA. The new cooperation contract, which starts in '14 and runs through '17, allows Japanese brands Honda, Nissan and Toyota to join the DTM and German brands Audi, BMW and Mercedes to join the Super GT. A DTM spokesperson said that "it is not clear yet, if a Japanese manufacture takes advantage of this opportunity and joins the DTM in '14." Mercedes Motorsports Dir Norbert Haug said, "It is a positive development that there is interest in other countries. Whoever wants to join the DTM is welcome. However, you should not expect to see one or two new manufacturers in the DTM in 2014." The foundation for this exchange is that the DTM's technical regulations match those of the Super GT (DPA, 10/16).