The DTM Series has thrown into jeopardy potential Le Mans starts for a couple of Audi stars following the belated release of its 2017 calendar.

Loic Duval and Rene Rast were both drafted into Audi’s DTM program following the end to the manufacturer’s 18-year frontline sports car program.

Round 3 of the DTM is set for the Hungaroring from June 16-18, the same weekend as the Le Mans 24 Hour.

During Audi’s stunning era at Le Mans, there was always a deliberate attempt to avoid a clash between the German Touring Car Series at the twice-around-the-clock marathon.

DTM had previously set the Hockenheim (May 5-7) and the Lausitzring (May 19-21) as its opening two rounds with the balance of the nine-round series not confirmed until now.

Duval won Le Mans for Audi in 2013 while Rast drove an R18 e-tron quattro at Le Mans in 2015 before joining the G-Drive Oreca LMP2 squad at La Sarthe this year.



2017 DTM calendar

Round 1: May 5-7, Hockenheimring

Round 2: May 19-21, Lausitzring

Round 3: June 16-18, Hungaroring

Round 4: June 30-July 2, Norisring

Round 5: July 21-23, Moscow

Round 6: August 18-20, Zandvoort

Round 7: September 8-10, Nürburgring

Round 8: September 22-24,Red Bull Ring

Round 9: October 13-15, Hockenheimring