Audi Withdraws from DTM Amid COVID-19 Concerns and Electric Future Vision

Audi has announced that it will withdraw from the German touring car series, DTM, after the 2020 season. This decision makes Audi the first major manufacturer to adjust its motorsport activities due to concerns related to the coronavirus outbreak and its focus on electric vehicle development.

The Ingolstadt brand has been a significant player in the well-known German series since its revival in 2000. Initially, it competed with Opel and Mercedes, fielding models like the TT and the A4. When BMW joined the competition in 2014, the brand introduced the RS5.

Mercedes left the series at the close of 2018 to concentrate on their new Formula E team. Following this, Audi has announced it will also be departing, citing similar reasons along with the financial challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Audi claims that their decision is motivated by their goal to ensure that 40% of their vehicle sales are from their electric lineup by 2025, thereby making their participation in Formula E more pertinent. However, they also acknowledge that this brand repositioning is influenced by the financial difficulties brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Audi has had a significant influence on the DTM, and the DTM has equally influenced Audi. This showcases the immense technological and emotional impact of motorsport,” states Markus Duesmann, CEO of AUDI AG.

"We’re channeling this energy to propel our shift towards becoming a provider of dynamic, eco-friendly electric vehicles. This is why we’re concentrating our initiatives on racing and strategically vying for the future of innovation. Formula E presents a highly appealing stage for this purpose. Additionally, we’re exploring other forward-thinking motorsport formats for the future."

Audi’s upcoming exit, which will leave BMW as the only participant, and the postponements in starting the season seem to threaten the DTM's short-term prospects. An attempt to increase participation with four privately-entered Aston Martins failed in 2019, leading the team to withdraw for the 2020 season.

If it couldn't proceed in 2021, it would mark the second occasion that the DTM was halted, with the first being in 1996 due to escalating expenses leading to its cancellation.

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