Berger says DTM has long-term future at Assen, rejoins Zolder in 2020

The DTM has today announced that the series will return to 2019 calendar additions Assen and Zolder - where the series held its first ever race - for the 2020 season, while a Nurburgring return has also been announced.

Both Zolder - the second round of the season - and round five at Assen were considered successful additions to the calendar.

Autosport understands the DTM has a three-year deal with Assen, with various clauses within the agreement.

Asked by Autosport if Assen had a long-term future considering its successful debut, Berger said: "After this weekend, yes.

"[It was a] good experience. Here there is room to have further great events [in the coming years]."

He continued: "I'm really impressed, it's the first time here and I went around the circuit yesterday and I don't understand why Formula 1 is not here, because it is one of the best circuits I have seen.

"High-speed corners, good safety conditions, very clean and very well organised."

Berger also confirmed that the DTM will not have multiple races in a country anywhere outside of Germany, meaning the DTM is unlikely to return to Zandvoort - which will host F1 next season - in the coming years.

The struggles of Misano - which was added to the championship in 2018 - means its place on the calendar could be under threat.

The circuit attempted to boost spectator numbers for 2019 by running a daytime race instead of the night format it used the year before, but still struggled to attract fans to the venue despite having MotoGP title contender Andrea Dovizioso compete in a guest drive.

Berger said he would not "give up" on Italy because of his affinity for the country and his spell as a Ferrari F1 driver between 1993 and '95.

He has previously revealed his "dream" to race at Monaco but warned at Assen that a potential race in the Principality was unlikely in the short-term.

Sources have suggested that Belgian Grand Prix venue Spa was of interest to the paddock, but Berger said that it was "not on the agenda".

Berger also confirmed that new races could appear on the 2020 calendar, but it is currently unclear as to how many rounds will feature on the calendar.

The DTM will return to the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit for the second year in a row in August and Autosport understands that BMW has now ruled out running a guest driver.

Audi had already committed to not running a guest driver at the event, while the R-Motorsport Aston Martin squad cannot currently do so as it only has the four Vantages.