The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters has confirmed a return to Brands Hatch next year, as its 2018 calendar was published with the addition of a tenth race at Misano in Italy.

The German touring car series last visited the Kent circuit in 2013, before the championship left the UK for the following four years.

For its return to the DTM calendar, the series will also take on the longer Grand Prix circuit for the first time, having previously run on the 1.97 kilometre Indy layout.

- Advertisement -

Misano’s World Circuit Marco Simoncelli will make its début on the DTM calendar next year as the DTM returns to Italy for the first time since 2010, when a race was held at the Adria International Raceway.

The DTM will also continue racing at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz, despite the venue having been sold to DEKRA for the development and testing of autonomous vehicles.

The Hockenheimring retains its traditional slots as the curtain raiser and finale venue, with the ten-event season also taking place over five months between May and October, as is the norm for the German tin-top category.

ITR CEO Gerhard Berger believes that the calendar for next year will broaden the German series’ international appeal, as further attempts are made to entice new manufacturers’ following Mercedes planned withdrawal at the end of 2018.

“Five events in Germany, five abroad – DTM is becoming somewhat more international without neglecting its German roots,” said Berger.

“With England and Italy two important markets of the premium-car manufacturers Audi, BMW and Mercedes make their comeback on the DTM calendar.

“Furthermore, I’m delighted that DTM keeps on racing at the Lausitzring – even after the circuit was sold. With the new owner DEKRA, our long-term partners, we could make sure that the Eastern-German DTM enthusiasts also will be provided spectacular touring-car racing.”

2018 DTM calendar:

04th to 06th May Hockenheim

18th to 20th May Lausitzring

01st to 03rd June Budapest

22nd to 24th June Norisring

13th to 15th July Zandvoort

11th to 12th August Brands Hatch

24th to 26th August Misano

07th to 09th September Nürburgring

21st to 23rd September Spielberg

12th to 14th October Hockenheim