DTM postpones its season-opener

DTM has been forced to call off its season-opener at the Norisring circuit following meetings with the authorities of Nuremberg. The decision leaves Spa-Francorchamps to kick off the 2020 DTM season.

The German Tourenwagen Masters has released its all-new calendar this week. The revised scheduled indicated that the field would meet at the street circuit of Norisring for the first time this year, albeit that meeting was still subject for approval.

The City of Nuremberg has now announced that it could not grant permission for the Norisring weekend. The nature of the street circuit means that the health of the drivers, teams and organising personnel could not be guaranteed in the dynamic situation involving the COVID-19 pandemic.

ITR Managing Director Marcel Mohaupt has revealed that the series could accept the decision of the city of Nuremberg.

“The decision not to grant governmental permission for the DTM races at the Norisring came as a surprise to us. However, we respect the decision by the City of Nuremberg. For the DTM, too, safety of everyone involved has the highest priority. Now, we are looking forward to the new season opener at Spa-Francorchamps,” he said.

Following the cancellation of the Norisring event, the compact and varied DTM calendar includes nine rounds in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. The series has stressed that a detailed and precise infection prevention plan has been established with the cooperation of renowned experts in order to guarantee the safety and health of the participants.

The cancellation of the season-opening Norisring round means that the 2020 DTM season is set to get underway at Spa on 2 August.