Lausitz to replace Avignon

This year, the EuroSpeedway Lausitz will be the venue of a second DTM round. The race scheduled to take place in Avignon had to be cancelled due to the unchangeable legal situation, in France. Therefore, the ITR e.V, DTM's economic organiser and promoter, decided to hold a second round at the circuit located in the Brandenburg region. The date for the ninth round of the season wasn't changed, hence, it will be held on 18th September, 2005.

"The cancellation of the Avignon race is a pity, but due to the situation, it couldn't be avoided," said ITR e.V. Chairman Hans Werner Aufrecht. "The EuroSpeedway represents an appropriate alternative. The great crowd and the smooth organisation have been vital for our decision to return to the EuroSpeedway, for round nine."

During the season presentation event, the ADAC Brandenburg had been decorated as the best organiser of the 2004 season. Traditionally, the DTM races at Lausitz represent a highlight for both the motor racing enthusiasts and the drivers. A crowd of nearly 80,000 travelled to the EuroSpeedway for the second round of the 2005 season and celebrated Mika Häkkinen for the first podium finish in his DTM career.

The next DTM round will be held on 26th June, at the Motopark Oschersleben. Following his win in the past round, at Brno, reigning DTM Champion Mattias Ekström holds the championship lead, with Briton Gary Paffett and Denmark's Tom Kristensen being joint second and two-time World Champion Mika Häkkinen and Jen Alesi tying for fourth place.

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