Gerhard Berger, chairman of DTM parent organization ITR, has responded to Audi’s shock decision to exit DTM following the conclusion of the 2020 season. The Austrian says he ‘deeply regrets’ the decision, stating he would have hoped for a more ‘united approach’ to the withdrawal.
“Today is a difficult day for motorsport in Germany and across Europe,” said Berger. “I deeply regret Audi’s decision to withdraw from the DTM after the 2020 season. While we respect the board’s position, the short-term nature of this announcement presents ITR, our partner BMW and our teams with a number of specific challenges.”
The chairman’s comments suggest that DTM was caught off-guard by the decision coming from Ingolstadt. Audi explained in its own statement that the decision was made to realign its motorsport activities with the goal of reducing its carbon footprint.
Berger said that he had hoped that Audi would take the ongoing global pandemic under consideration, and that the withdrawal has left the future of DTM in a difficult position.
“Given our common association, and the particular difficulties we all face during the COVID-19 pandemic, we would have hoped for a more united approach. This decision worsens the situation, and the future of the DTM now very much depends on how our partners and sponsors react to this decision. Nevertheless, I fully expect Audi to undertake its planned exit properly, responsibly and in full partnership with ITR. My commitment remains to the year ahead, and to ensuring we provide our hundreds of thousands of fans with a thrilling and competitive season. But, as soon as possible, I also want to create planning security for our participating teams, sponsors and everybody whose job depends on the DTM.”
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