DTM Cancels Shanghai Round in 2011

In a time when most racing series are trying to include as many Chinese rounds as possible in their calendars, the DTM has just gotten rid of its only one. According to a statement released by the German racing series, Shanghai will no longer be part of the championship in 2011.

At the end of the 2010 campaign, when DTM's promoter ITR announced the calendar for this year, Shanghai was scheduled to host the season finale for the second year running. The decision led to plenty of criticism from the DTM fans from all over Europe, and today it was confirmed that the final round of the 2011 season will be held at its traditional location, the Hockenheim Ring.

“The motorsport authorities didn't grant permission for the race to take place on the originally scheduled date of November 6th due to a date clash with the World Touring Car Championship [at Guangdong] in China,” said a statement from the DTM.

Under the circumstances, the race will not be rescheduled in 2011, with ITR boss Hans Werner Aufrecht admitting plans to include China in the calendar next year.

“The cancellation of the Shanghai race is regrettable, but due to the given situation, it can't be changed for 2011,” said Aufrecht. “However, I am certain that this is not the end of our plans in Asia for the near future. Together with the car manufacturers and [Shanghai race promoter] the BCG, we are putting our effort into having a race in China again from 2012.”

Last year's race in Shanghai – the first official DTM race in China - was won by Gary Paffett, while his teammate from Mercedes Paul di Resta sealed the title.