TV boost for DTM.

After two years of co-operation, the representatives of the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) and the German public television broadcasters ARD and ZDF have decided to extend the successful partnership.

Today, a five year television deal has been signed between the ITR (Internationale Tourenwagen Rennen e.V.) and SportA, the sport rights and marketing agency of the ARD and the ZDF.

The co-operation has been fixed for the next three years until 2004, furthermore the contract partners have decided on an option for the years 2005 and 2006.

"When we founded the DTM two years ago, such a long-term contract was the goal of the ITR and the German motorsport federation DMSB", said Hans Werner Aufrecht, chairman of the ITR. "With ARD and ZDF, we have already exceeded the television audience of the old DTM in the first two years. The outlook on another five years with the public channels surely will be good for both parties, to the benefit of the DTM and especially of its fans."

Mercedes-Benz motorsport director Norbert Haug added: "Only in Germany, the DTM got over 90 hours of television coverage in 2001, and also the accumulated reach of an average of 30 million viewers per race event was excellent. The television deal is the long-term basis for the further expansion of the DTM."

Opel motorsport director Volker Strycek concluded: "The success record of the DTM is especially good for us at Opel. Exactly three years ago, we showed the first study of a new DTM-car at the Essen Motorshow, and back then, the Opel Astra Coup? caused excitement right away."

"Meanwhile, the DTM has established itself as a racing series at the highest level and provides a very good stage to demonstrate sportivity, reliability and innovation of the Opel brand. The extraordinary extension of the television contract is a proof of the fact that the DTM is on the right way."