Former Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger has been announced as the new chairman of DTM’s organising body, ITR.
The Austrian replaces DTM founder Hans Werner Aufrecht, who has stepped down from his role after more than 30 years at the helm.
Berger, a 10-time F1 race winner, will work in cooperation with the DTM board to set “the strategic course for a successful future”.
He raced in F1 from 1984 to 1997, before helping oversee BMW’s F1 return and later becoming a co-owner of Toro Rosso. From 2012 to 2014 he was president of the FIA’s single-seater commission.
Alongside DTM founder Aufrecht, Hans-Jurgen Abt and Walter Mertes have also resigned from the board at ITR.
“I started my motor-racing career in touring-car racing and always followed DTM with a lot of interest,” Berger said on his new role.
“DTM is a top-class product with independent, powerful regulations, strong manufacturers, top sponsors, important international partnerships and many fans.
“This is a good starting point with great potential for the future. The first task I will focus on in the coming weeks is gaining a deeper insight into the details with the support of my colleagues.
“We will then use this strong basis for creating a joint strategy for the future.”