I know, next week is gonna be so hetic. I really hope the 11th is the day we hear about a new DTM team.

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Just had a look at the photo and it defo looks like a DTM car in the making, and there has been rumours that Lexus/Toyota were going to be joining the series over the last few years so this isn't really a surprise that something might finally be happening.

I found the comment towards the bottom of the article quite interesting, where it said that unless another manufacturer was to enter the series, Audi wouldn't agree to the rule changes. Quite a hostile stance for Audi to take I feel.

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

Audi are quite pushy when they feel the need to be, like at Barcelona. Audi benefit hugely from the series from a marketing point of view. So they should really consider what they say....

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Indeed, although they do have a bit of bargaining power as if Audi decide to pull out at any point the series will be finished with just Mercedes left but if Lexus do join the series then Audi will have to be careful as they could soon find themselves up the creek without a paddle....

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

Indeed your right, Audi do have a good bargaining position because they are a well known car maker and was heavily involved in DTM's return in 2000.

Having all 3 car makers competing with few arguments is my ideal situation.

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The official lubricant for all Mercedes-Benz Motorsport engines

Yep, the only people who would lose out from another manufacturer is the teams as the drivers would relish the extra competition and the fans would no doubt get better racing on the track as well as more cars on the grid. It has to be win-win all round really.

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

Also, we would have less of either Audi and Mercedes using older cars to block each other on track.

This has become a major problem and was apprently discussed in thr crisis meeting after Spain. With Lexus much less of this would happpen, it dilutes the racing slightly. Thas one of the reason why we see so much bashing, drivers in newer cars getting annoyed at the opposition's older car driver holding them up on purpose.

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The official lubricant for all Mercedes-Benz Motorsport engines

Well there is another possible answer to that problem and that would be to run one-spec of cars throughout the whole grid, so Merc run the 08 C-Class and Audi run the 08 A4. That way there would be less blocking and more exciting racing. And for these companies to come out and say that they can't afford to do this is a joke. Just look at their profits over the last year.

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

Oh of course, companies like Peugeot, Renault, Mazda, Kia etc could all easly afford it.

But yes DTM is more expensive than say the WTCC which use the production based cars, which is cheaper. But neither are in WTCC either!

Forgot to mention, Peugeot are officially entering the STCC with a 307: http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=1714

Honda are going to have a factory outfit too in STCC.

Basically, all DTM needs is another premium car maker, Lexus are ideal. T

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The DTM seems to be getting left behind in comparaison to other big touring car series, so it really needs a new manufacturer in order to help sustain interest in the series outside Germany, Surely the arrival of Lexus would boost the interest in Japan hugely.

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

Yup, DTM could expand into these markets.

Also, Lexus have big ambitions for the European markets so DTM makes perfect sense considering the series travels to six different Euro countries.

I think one of the reasons why car makers find the S2000 rules so attractive is not only are they cheap, but privateer teams the buy customer cars and go and advertise say Seat and that shape in another market without having to advertise!

V8's only have two car makers though, so DTM is doing okay. But clearly more could join.

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