Nick Cassidy believes that SUPER GT’s technical alliance with DTM was still worthwhile, despite the increasing uncertainty surrounding the German series following Audi’s departure at the end of 2020.
The 2020 SUPER GT cars have been built in accordance with the rulebook drafted in agreeance with the DTM after years of negotiations between the two series.
However, the future of this agreement is up in the air following Audi’s departure from DTM after the 2020 season, which could force the German series to adopt cheaper regulations in order to survive.
Although, not all are concerned. Speaking with Motorsport.com, Cassidy believes that SUPER GT will continue to reap the benefits of the collaboration.
“It looks potentially like it will help SUPER GT a little bit. We share now a lot more common parts, which should bring down the costs a lot. Development has stopped in a lot of areas.
“The cars between the three manufacturers are closer than ever because we’re sharing those parts. The aero is less which means the development is less and we’re saving money.
“They’ve definitely done things to match these Class One regulations, which will help the championship going forwards. For the manufacturers here, maybe that was a good thing even though [potentially] DTM won’t be there anymore.”
Honda faced an uphill battle with the new regulations, being forced to abandon its mid-engined NSX-GT in favour of a front-engined version of the car.
Other changes include the adoption of the DTM’s Bosch electronics, common suspension parts, a standard floor and an aero development freeze around the front and rear wheel arches.
Cassidy mentioned that the departure of Audi was not something that SUPER GT were aware of until the announcement last month.
“I don’t think SUPER GT really knew about [the risk of Audi leaving the DTM] and they wanted to be aligned more.
“It’s a shame that it happened and that potentially [further] joint races might not eventuate, but in terms of our own championship it’s great we are more aligned.
“[The DTM’s future] won’t affect SUPER GT too much. It’s more the international fanbase that takes a hit, that’s the most disappointing thing. But in terms of the teams and the manufacturers, potentially they aren’t too worried about it.”