DTM and Super GT reunited again in Motegi

At a time when the strengthening of links between Super GT and the DTM definitely seems to be getting underway with the Class One regulations implicit, the two championships renewed a demonstration on the track this Saturday, during qualifying for the Japanese Super GT final in Motegi.

Alongside the Lexus LC500, Nissan GT-R and Honda NSX-GT, the Audi RS 5, BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM took to the track with respectively Loïc duval, Augusto Farfus and Maro Engel in European cars.

Such a demonstration will be carried out again tomorrow before the decisive race for the award of the Japanese title. As recalled in AUTO issue 2136hebdo, on the occasion of the DTM final, the overseas series will adopt in 2019 the 2-liter turbo four-cylinder engine blocks, already in place in Japan.

« What me and President Masaaki Bandoh (Head of Super GT) are trying now is not just to deepen our friendship, but to create a common regulation (for both series), admits Gerhard Berger, boss of ITR, promoter of the DTM.

If manufacturers from Japan and Germany build racing cars based on unified regulations, the car can compete in both series, which would strengthen the brand and reduce costs. Additionally, we can show our fans an even more exciting race.

The current DTM uses a naturally aspirated V8 engine, but the same block as in Super GT will also be used in DTM. We, DTM and Super GT, hope to achieve an inter-series race like our final goal, so that we can provide great satisfaction to our fans. »

Photos: Super GT