WIESBADEN, Germany (Nov. 19, 2010) — Goodyear's Dunlop Motorsports unit will not return next year as the designated race tire supplier for Germany's DTM touring car championship, ending a decade of work together.
DTM series sanctioning body ITR e.V. disclosed Dunlop's decision today, saying the two sides had negotiated an extension of the contract for several months.
ITR said it's already begun talks with other possible tire suppliers for the 2011 season.
Dunlop became the series' sole tire supplier in 2000 and delivered more than 100,000 racing tires to DTM teams in the intervening 11 years. Dunlop also was considered a series sponsor.
The DTM features heavily modified four-door German touring cars. In the past few seasons only Mercedes-Benz A.G. and Audi A.G. fielded cars in the series; previously BMW A.G. also competed.
While most of the races take place in Germany, the series also ventures occasionally into neighboring European countries, and this year is staging a demonstration race in Shanghai, China.
Dunlop did not say what, if any, other motorsport plans it has for 2011, although it's known the brand is committed to supplying the British Touring Car Championship through the 2013 season.