New Russia round completes 2020 DTM calendar

As reported by Motorsport.com, Russia was in frame to return to the DTM calendar for the first time in 2017, although the series admitted that it was also in discussions with other circuits in Europe.

The confirmation of a new five-year contract with Igora Drive was made during a live-streamed press conference at Hockenheim on Thursday.

The Hermann Tilke-designed, FIA Grade 2 circuit, north of St Petersburg, has filled the slot the DTM had called a "very exciting" addition when it announced its calendar last month, and the race weekend will take place on May 29-31.

The circuit is currently targeting FIA Grade 1 classification after construction, which began in 2016, was recently completed.

The high-speed circuit has multiple configurations but the full layout includes an uphill final sector with a series of quick-fire corners following a hairpin before heading onto the long main straight.

Two-time DTM champion Rene Rast said: "We can't wait to go on track. Already now we went a few times around the track and we asked for race cars to race today. In 25 years of racing experience, I've not seen anything like that."

BMW driver Philipp Eng said: "The facility is amazing, I have never seen anything like it before. It's not only the track, but the whole surroundings, and I'm looking forward to racing here next year.

"Especially, the last sector, as a racing driver it is very technical and interesting so we will see spectacular racing here."

The addition of Igora Drive marks the DTM's return to Russia for the first time since 2017, having raced at Moscow Raceway between 2013-17.

Igora Drive is the third new-for-2020 venue on the calendar, joining Monza and former Swedish Grand Prix venue Anderstorp.

During Formula 1's Russian Grand Prix weekend, there had been speculation that the race could move from Sochi to Igora Drive, but Russian officials played down the prospect.

Organisers at Igora Drive confirmed there had been no discussions with F1.

W Series will remain on the DTM's support bill in 2020, with a press release on Thursday confirming it "is expecting to expand its six-race 2019 calendar, remaining committed to partner series DTM, although full details will not be announced until later this year".

2020 DTM calendar

Date	Venue
April 24-26	Zolder
May 15-17	Lausitzring
May 29-31	Igora Drive
June 12-14	Anderstorp
June 26-28	Monza
July 10-12	Norisring
August 22-23	Brands Hatch
September 4-6	Assen
September 11-13	Nurburgring
October 2-4	Hockenheim