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Audi to focus on Formula E after DTM exit

Audi says its exit from the German DTM series will allow the manufacturer to direct more resources towards Formula E and other "progressive motorsport formats".

Audi's withdrawal from the DTM is another bitter blow for Germany's premiere motorsport series which had to contend with Aston Martin's departure at the end of last season and Mercedes retreat the year before.

ITR chairman Gerhard Berger, who manages the DTM, said he "deeply regrets" Audi's decision which will leave only a single manufacturer - BMW - on the grid for 2021.

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"Today is a difficult day for motorsport in Germany and across Europe," said Berger in a statement.

"I deeply regret Audi’s decision to withdraw from the DTM after the 2020 season.

"While we respect the board’s position, the short-term nature of this announcement presents ITR, our partner BMW and our teams with a number of specific challenges.

"This decision worsens the situation, and the future of the DTM now very much depends on how our partners and sponsors react to this decision," added Berger.

"Nevertheless, I fully expect Audi to undertake its planned exit properly, responsibly and in full partnership with ITR."

The DTM's pain will be Formula E's gain as the Ingolstadt firm strengthens its efforts in the all-electric series in the future.

"Audi has shaped the DTM and the DTM has shaped Audi," said Audi chairman Markus Duesmann.

"This demonstrates what power lies in motorsport – technologically and emotionally.

"With this energy, we’re going to drive our transformation into a provider of sporty, sustainable electric mobility forward.

"That’s why we’re also focusing our efforts on the race track and systematically competing for tomorrow’s ‘Vorsprung' (advance).

"Formula E offers a very attractive platform for this. To complement it, we’re investigating other progressive motorsport formats for the future."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.