DTM extends entry deadline for Audi

Mercedes were the only manufacturer who had entered the series when last week's deadline fell, but organisers have agreed to extend the closing date to December 15.

Opel withdrew from the sport at the end of this season and are not backing any privateer cars next year, meaning only Audi and Mercedes cars were likely to line up on the 2006 grid.

However, Audi asked for more time from organisers to firm up their plans for next season, and organisers agreed to the extension.

A DTM spokesperson told autosport.com: "The DTM is doing everything it can to satisfy Audi's requirements. We want them to be in the series. Although two manufacturers are acceptable for 2006, but we obviously want more manufacturers in the future."

A raft of measures aimed at reducing the cost in the sport were announced in August, including enforcing that teams carry over the majority of parts from the 2005 cars to next season's machines, including aerodynamics.

It is hoped that next season's DTM calendar will be unveiled next week.