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DTM to Link-up with Japanese GT?

A possible link-up between the two racing series has been circulating in the media in recent days, following a confirmed delegation from the DTM-organizing ITR to Japan.

The delegation is supposed to assess the possibility of joining the series sometime in the future, which will allow German touring cars and Super GT contenders to run in the same race.

According to a report by Autosport.com, a number of possibilities exist to match up the DTM series with either the Japanese GT500 or the Super GT. Allegations that support the move towards the Super GT are founded on the fact that DTM is due to introduce new regulations in 2011 or 2012.

This visit follows an ITR presence at the Super GT finale at Motegi in November and strengthens the rumors that Toyota is evaluating a DTM entry with its Lexus brand.

A possible agreement between DTM and Super GT it is also rumored to attract prestigious German manufacturer BMW. However, despite the fact that BMW registers strong sales for its M-brand cars in Japan, the German automaker revealed through the voice of its motorsport boss Mario Theissen that it would not build a car specifically for the DTM.

"We have talked to the ITR, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (at Le Mans), the FIA and to the Japanese. If something like this happened, it would be beneficial to GT sport as a whole," said Theissen.

While the ITR hasn’t made any statement regarding its upcoming meeting, the GT Association of Japan admitted it will be receiving a DTM delegation. "They want to talk about regulations with the intention of a possible link-up between our two series," confirmed a spokesman according to Autonews.com, while adding the GT Association of Japan doesn’t regard it as a "matter for the very near future".
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