The DTM will race at Monza next year, with the Milanese track replacing Misano for the Italian round of the championship.

Monza is one of the most historic circuits in the world, having hosted Formula 1 in all-but-one of its seasons since 1950. Located in a natural park, it features long straights with hard braking chicanes and challenging corners, making it a favourite among racing drivers.

ITR chairman Gerhard Berger, who was an F1 winner at Monza back in 1988, said: “For motorsport fans all over the world, Monza is legendary. The characteristics of the circuit promise wheel-to-wheel duels at high speeds as well as good opportunities for overtaking.”

Pietro Benvenuti, general manager at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, added: “This is the first time that DTM will race at Monza, we’re proud to host a round of this series. These races, backed by an important organisation, will allow us to further develop the potential of our circuit. We plan to create an event for the audience not solely limited to motorsport, but something that will involve fans in an unprecedented experience.”

Monza will replace Misano as the Italian round of the DTM calendar after failing to attract significant spectator numbers.

ITR managing director Achim Kostron thanked Misano for their two-year cooperation, highlighting the importance of the Italian market for the brands involved in the DTM: “We’re grateful to everyone at Misano for having been a fantastic partner during DTM’s return to Italy over the past two years.

“For our three key automotive brands – Aston Martin, Audi and BMW – Italy is a hugely important market. For our next step, we want to further increase awareness of DTM in Italy; racing at the country’s most famous racetrack, combined with the surrounding Milan metropolitan area, will help us achieve that.”

The DTM is expected to release its 2020 calendar at the season finale at Hockenheim, October 4-6th.