DTM taking stock after Mercedes exit

Mercedes made the shock announcement of its decision to quit the DTM in favor of a Formula E program earlier this week. ITR said in a statement that it regrets the move, but that it has ample lead time to prepare for Mercedes' exit.

"The ITR as the organizer and promoter of the DTM regrets this step by Mercedes," it read. "We have to respect the decision in a sporting and fair way. The DTM is one of the world's most significant touring car series. Mercedes has announced its withdrawal at the end of the 2018 season well in advance. That gives the ITR the time to analyze the situation and to prepare a sustainable concept for the future."

The news was met with similar sentiments from rival manufacturers Audi and BMW, both of which committed to working toward continuity, but stopped short of offering guarantees about their own future in the series.

"This decision is a heavy blow for the DTM," said BMW Motorsport's Jens Marquardt. "However, it is too early to speculate on the long-term effects. Now it is time to evaluate the situation and discuss scenarios for the future with the ITR, whether based on the existing regulations or on different ones, such as the GT regulations."

Audi motorsport head Dieter Gass admitted that the ramifications for Audi's ongoing participation in the DTM after Mercedes departure is also an open question, although the company later reiterated via social media that "top international touring car racing is a very important component of our factory motorsport strategy."

The Audi/Mercedes rivalry, which sustained the DTM through its years as a two-manufacturer series before BWM rejoined in 2012, will be rekindled in Formula E, with Audi having previously confirmed plans to take over the Abt entry. BMW also confirmed a long-expected FE program earlier this month, while Porsche is expected to follow suit within the next 24 hours.