During the course of the DTM weekend at the Nürburgring, Hans Werner Aufrecht granted four DTM fans an extraordinary experience and provided them unique insight into what’s going on behind the curtains of the most popular international touring-car series. The Chairman of DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V. entered into a dialogue with the fans and honestly and extensively discussed with them the strengths and weaknesses of today’s DTM.
“The discussion was really lively. Mr Aufrecht took the time to converse with us for more than an hour and he also provided us with background information. Now, we understand several things better. And he also displayed a lot of interest while listening to what we had to say. I was extremely positively surprised. I never had believed that the fans on the grandstands are taken that seriously. A compliment to DTM that it doesn’t forget it roots,” said one of the fans in place of the four DTM enthusiasts who also were offered the possibility to criticise some of the activities and decisions.
“This conversation was overdue,” said Hans Werner Aufrecht. “And it was really interesting to find out what our fans wish.” The ITR boss even revealed several minor secrets, such as the point in time when new engine regulations will be introduced – arguably in 2016. In addition, he took the criticism regarding the support programme and even the regulations to heart. So, Hans Werner Aufrecht promised the fans that ITR, the German Motor Racing Association (DMSB) and the manufacturers will jointly create new sporting regulations up to the end of the year, following the numerous discussions regarding penalties, yellow flags and blue flags.
Furthermore, visiting the Nürburgring offered the fans insight into how DTM works. “It was a really exciting day. We saw far more than a usual fan gets to see. We were allowed to enter the pit-lane, we could witness how the TV pictures are created and we were at the race control,” said one of the fans. “And meeting Mr Aufrecht and discussing the fans’ point of view with him – how the series developed to date, which way it possibly should go in the future and what could be improved – represented a special honour.” “The discussion with the fans could be turned into a permanent institution,” concluded Aufrecht, “We should try to possibly do this every year.”
Source : DTM