DTM, Super GT Agree on Common Engine Regs for 2017

Photo: DTM

DTM and Super GT will adopt common engine regulations beginning in 2017, as part of the new “Class One” structure revealed by the two organizations Tuesday in Tokyo.

While already sharing common chassis and aerodynamic regulations, the popular German touring car championship will switch from normally aspirated V8s to two-liter, four-cylinder turbos, the same engine rules currently being used in the Japanese-based GT championship.

Other details such as safety improvements, testing limitations and tire specifications were also discussed in the third meeting of the steering committee, which also included a remote-video presence from IMSA.

“The agreement between the leading car manufacturers in Germany and Japan is an important milestone on the way to a set of joint, globally implemented Class One regulations,” said Hans Werner Aufrecht, Chairman of ITR e.V.

“It’s up to the manufacturers to decide if they want to let their Class-1 vehicle race at Suzuka today, at the Nürburgring next week and at Daytona in a fortnight.

“This possibility provides totally new marketing opportunities for the manufacturers. And the joint name, ‘Class One’, is an important component, so to speak the [clamp] that is holding it all together.

“Therefore, I’m delighted that we are going to demonstrate our common ground, in Europe, Japan and the USA, with this distinctive name.”

Added GTA Chairman Masaki Bandoh: “The meeting was very productive. We fully agreed on the concept of the common technical regulation. This agreement will create better conditions for car manufactures to participate in the other series in future.”

According to the release from DTM, IMSA plans to announce races according to the new set of Class One regulations as well.

IMSA has yet to provide an update on U.S. DTM talks, other than it still being in an “open and active” project, according to a series spokesperson.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John