The DTM has witnessed an inflow of part-season and visitor entries this yr after adapting off-the-shelf GT3 automobiles, that are considerably cheaper to run than their Class One predecessors.
Twenty-three automobiles took to the monitor for the fourth spherical of the season on 20-22 August, with 19 full-season entries joined by the JP Motorsport McLaren of ex-Formula 1 driver Christian Klien, two further Mercedes automobiles entered by Toksport and HRT for Luca Stolz and Hubert Haupt respectively, and a SSR Performance Porsche pushed by Michael Ammermuller.
The SSR entry was specific important because it marked the primary time a automotive from Porsche’s steady raced within the DTM, the Stuttgart-based marque having been notably absent from the earlier two eras of the collection.
The measurement of the grid on the Nurburgring was the most important in any DTM race in 5 years, whereas 1987 was the final time seven producers competed towards one another in what’s now often called the ‘traditional’ period of the DTM.
But Ludwig feels there’s room for extra producers, saying the collection can be “unbeatable” on the earth if it might entice 10 totally different manufacturers in a given season.
The three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner additionally put his help behind GT3 automobiles, that are discovering growing acceptance around the globe with each the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship saying plans to undertake them in coming years as replacements for costlier GTE equipment.
“I used to be all the time saying: Porsche is nice sufficient to do DTM. The energy is completely sufficient. It is nice sufficient for Spa, it’s adequate in all places on the earth. So why not within the DTM?” mentioned Ludwig, insisting the low energy output of the 911 GT3 R shouldn’t create issues in balancing its efficiency towards different automobiles constructed to the identical laws.
“And I additionally wish to say: Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford, Bentley and all these automobiles ought to all come. Because then we have now a platform that’s unbeatable on the earth.
“GT3s are ruling the world. And they need to rule the world. They ought to rule Le Mans and every thing. Because all the remainder is simply too costly, too loopy, an excessive amount of expertise.
“Pure GT3 automobiles – no GTE. That is bullshit. Just GT3 and Balance of Performance. And then you will have implausible races. The guys are doing a superb job.
“I’ve actually seen each race to date as a result of I’m nonetheless a fan of this. It is enjoyable for the spectators. Seven manufacturers are implausible – however we must always usher in 10.”
When the DTM introduced plans to overtake the class for 2021 the preliminary response was overwhelmingly detrimental, with many feeling the collection gained’t be the identical with out in depth producer involvement and prototype race automobiles.
However, Ludwig’s former rival and 1990 title winner Hans-Joachim Stuck has praised the path the DTM has taken this yr, saying GT3 machines are “the perfect race cars” for the present motorsport local weather.
“In fact, three words is all I need to analyse the 2021 DTM: I am impressed!” mentioned Stuck, who additionally has two outright Le Mans wins with Porsche to his title.
“I’m so glad that [ITR chief] Gerhard Berger has taken up the concept of a DTM with GT3 automobiles and has applied it in a consequent approach.
“Such a collection had been my dream for years and it’s figuring out nice. The races have model selection, motion, they’re shut and we’re seeing extremely various kinds of automobiles in thrilling duels.
“These merely are the right race automobiles of our time. On one hand, they’re spectacular in sound and sight and alternatively, they allow professionals in DTM to race one another in an effective way identical to gents drivers are doing in decrease GT3 lessons.
“And they are affordable. That is making these cars a good business model for corporate groups, which, in turn, leads to many brands taking part.”
