Nissan eyeing DTM entry

Company vice-president Carlos Tavares, whose remit includes motorsport, revealed that Nissan had "some interesting ideas for the future" and that it had entered into a dialogue with DTM organiser the ITR.

His comments suggest that Nissan could be the Japanese manufacturer touted to join the series by the ITR when new rules come on stream in 2012.

"We have had discussions with the ITR, but we have no made any decisions so far," Tavares told AUTOSPORT. "The DTM is interesting for many reasons, one of which is its success in terms of spectator attendance."

Tavares stated that Nissan's short-term priorities remain its participation in the new-for-2010 FIA GT1 World Championship and the Japanese-based Super GT Series.

But he stressed that in the future it was important that the company could race one car in multiple markets. The ITR has been in talks with the Super GT and Grand-Am organisers regarding a move to common regulatons.

"Any scenario that brings regulations around the world together is appreciated, because it would allow us to do more racing for the same money," Tavares said.

For the full story of Nissan's potential DTM programme, read this week's AUTOSPORT magazine, also available in digital form.