Touring Cars: DTM & Super GT to merge in 2012?

News are out that the rule makers and manufacturers of Germany’s DTM and Japanese Super GT are collaborating to commonise their regulation. Should this go through as many as 6 makes would be involved instead of the current 2 (Audi & Mercedes) and 3 Japanese makes of GT500; Toyota, Nissan & Honda, would be involved. The sixth is non other than BMW, who are being more disenchanted with the WTCC. Originally it was thought, Australia’s V8 Supercars and America’s Grand-Am series were involved as well.

Germany’s ITR, DTM’s righholders and Japan’s JAF have already progressed further with their discussions and drafts of the proposed regs have come out:

- Common carbon monocoque with roll cage
- Wheelbase of 2850 mm
- Common front and rear overhang
- Common front spoiler and rear diffuser
- V8 engine of yet to be announced size
- Limited number of engines during season
- Introduction of “design line” where on one side all cars are common
- 51% cost reduction compared to current DTM regulations

The overall impact on this would be a common regulation allowing all 6 manufactures to enter 2 different championship. 2012 is the projected year that the regulations will come in play.

BMW, since pulling out of Formula 1 are currently focussed on WTCC and GT/Le Mans racing with the 320i and M3 GT2 racers. Should they make a return to DTM, it is expected that the WTCC programme will be dropped.