DTM drivers applaud performance-weights abolition
DTM drivers have responded positively to the news that the performance-weights system is to be scrapped with immediate effect.
The agreement to abolish the system follows lengthy discussions between manufacturers and the series’ promoter ITR, and means the final two rounds of the 2017 DTM season at the Red Bull Ring and Hockenheim will take place without the performance-balancing measure.
Drivers representing Mercedes, Audi and BMW have all explicitly welcomed the move. BMW’s Timo Glock insisted that “it was absolutely the best decision for the sport”. He added: “The weights made for tactical games. Furthermore some not too clever changes were introduced during the season every now and then. The fan switched on his TV set and didn’t understand why the Audi, the BMW or the Mercedes had to take additional weight aboard or was allowed to get rid of some kilos.”
Mercedes-AMG’s Maro Engel was also positive about the changes, saying it was “fantastic news for all the drivers and motor-racing enthusiasts and – as I see it – for the manufacturers too”. He emphasised that the scrapping of the system was about creating “pure competition”, adding that “doing so was the perfect decision.”