Aston Martin To Join DTM In 2019 With New Vantage-Based Racer

Aston Martin will join the DTM championship next year, replacing Mercedes, who has left the series, on the grid.

In a statement, the British car manufacturer said that it will field a car based on the road-going Vantage. Aston Martin will race in partnership with R-Motorsport and HWA.

For astute readers, the name HWA may ring a bell. That’s because the company has been a long-term partner of Mercedes and responsible for running many of the German brand’s racing endeavors. From next year, though, HWA will develop, build, and run Aston Martin’s DTM cars.

Organizers of DTM have been attempting to secure a third manufacturer for the 2019 season after Mercedes confirmed that it was leaving the series in favor of Formula E. This initially just left BMW and Audi to make up the 2019 grid.

“This decision of a luxury sports-car manufacturer such as Aston Martin is a historic event for our series and a milestone for the international orientation of DTM,” said series boss Gerhard Berger.

Beyond the addition of Aston Martin to the grid, the 2019 DTM season will also see half of the races held outside of Germany.

“We are delighted by joining together with Aston Martin in a renowned top series with international orientation,” said R-Motorsport team principal Dr Florian Kamelger.

“Competing with premium manufacturers represents a major challenge for our brand. The new technical regulations and the extended international orientations of the series were important reasons for our decision.”

It remains to be seen just how many Vantages will be fielded next year, but both BMW and Audi say they welcome the British marque to the sport.

Note: Aston Martin Vantage GT3 pictured