Television viewers will be sitting in the first row at all the DTM races as of next year: ARD will be the exclusive contractual partner for the live DTM broadcasts from 2005. The contract is valid for three years with an option on a further two years. This was agreed by the ITR and SportA, the sports rights agency of ARD and ZDF. ARD will also offer live coverage of qualifying as well as the race. In addition, the shared event schedule – which in the last years has comprised pop concerts and events such as ‘DTM meets boxing’ – will be extended even further.
Hans Werner Aufrecht is pleasedHans Werner Aufrecht, ITR Chairman: ‘We are pleased that the ARD will from 2005 be even more committed to the DTM than before. The exclusive contract fosters continued stability and planning security. What’s also attractive is the whole package with qualifying and events. ARD has already over the past years impressively proven its commitment towards the DTM. But we would also like to thank ZDF, who has been successfully broadcasting the DTM alternately with ARD since 2000 until the end of the current season. ‘
Dr. Günter Struve, ARD Programmes Director: ‘The continuation of the contract is the result of a long-term, successful co-operation. With this increased commitment towards the DTM we will offer our viewers motorsports of the highest quality.’
Dagmar Brandenstein, SportA Managing Director: ‘The good co-operation over the past years and the successful transformation in state-owned television were the decisive factors for this new contract. We thank the ITR for putting their faith in us.’
Norbert Haug, Motorsport Director Mercedes-Benz: ‘The ‚new DTM’ has been around for five years now and is enjoying ever-increasing audience figures. The continued co-operation with ARD is the corner-stone for the next years. Our company hopes for wider television coverage and increased viewing figures especially during the live broadcasts. Together with the ITR, we will continue striving for an appealing DTM.’
Volker Strycek, Motorsport Director Opel: ‘The contract extension with ARD represents the continuation of a co-operation, the like of which has never been seen in German motorsports. The long-term commitment offers additional security and stability for the manufacturers, partners and sponsors. In addition, ARD offers synergy effects, for example in linking the DTM to other high-level events like boxing matches or music gigs. For fans it represents a guarantee for television coverage that is just as consummately professional as the DTM.’
Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Motorsport Director Audi: ‘ARD is a very important partner for the DTM and accounts for a large share of the series’ big popularity. Not only the broadcasts, but also commitment shown towards the DTM are exemplary. DTM fans have already sat five times in a year in the first row with ARD. It can only be an advantage for the DTM that ARD will now broadcast all the races.’
For more details contact:
ITR e.V. Public relations
Eva-Maria Burkhardt
Blumenstraße 4
65189 Wiesbaden
Germany
Telefon: +49 611 34 11 77-0
Telefax: +49 611 34 11 77-7