Yep couldn't agree more Sav, the new rules in 2009 could make or break the series as if the costs don't come down then I really do fear for the series in the long term. And then we will be back where we were all those years ago.

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Come On You Stones - Maidstone United FC
DTM @ Brands Hatch - 31st August 2008

Indeed deano, the 2009 rules will have to be more cost effective basically, and more attractive for the car makers. The problem with the current cars is that you have to build them from scratch. Which means the whole car has to be totally new, unlike the S2000-spec cars which are based on production cars - this reduces costs because manufactuer's already have a starting point on which to build.

Having a third entry will simly make things fairer too.

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The official lubricant for all Mercedes-Benz Motorsport engines

It's only logicial that the car maker makes all decision because there aren't privat teams. 19 of 20 drivers are factory drives in factory teams. Only the second TME driver is a real privat driver and the decision about this cockpit will be made by TME.
You can't compare it with the V8's because they forbid factory teams. If there would this rule in DTM maybe you have more privat teams but the ITR don't want to do that they want to have more car maker.

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Für alles über 8 Minuten auf der Nordschleife ziehe ich keinen Helm auf!

For anything over 8 minutes on the Nordschleife I don't put on a helmet!

Walter Röhrl

DTM needs a balance, half privateers and half factory cars. Having all factory cars means their is very little team spirit, just a car makers spending millions.

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The official lubricant for all Mercedes-Benz Motorsport engines

Half and half would be good with a ranking of the privat teams(like WTCC) But ITR don't do it.

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Für alles über 8 Minuten auf der Nordschleife ziehe ich keinen Helm auf!

For anything over 8 minutes on the Nordschleife I don't put on a helmet!

Walter Röhrl

Oh well, I actually think DTM is great, the current rules are great. But financially they just don't make sense.

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The official lubricant for all Mercedes-Benz Motorsport engines