Audi is ready for DTM debut in Munich

Audi is ready for DTM debut in Munich

• Touring car series visits Munich’s Olympic Stadium

• Races featuring knockout format to be held on two days

• Audi drivers Albuquerque and Ekström with experience advantage

Ingolstadt, July 8, 2011 – Show event instead of summer break. On July 16 and

17 racing fans can experience a highly special spectacle that has never existed like

this before: At Munich’s Olympic stadium the DTM stars from Audi will compete

against their rivals from Mercedes-Benz – in races featuring a knockout format

and in their original cars from the current DTM season.

At the venue where the soccer teams of FC Bayern München and 1860 München held

their home matches in the German “Bundesliga” until 2005 and that hosted the

Olympic Summer Games in 1972 the roaring sounds of the near 470-hp V8 engines

of the DTM race cars will be heard for the first time. For Martin Tomczyk, Timo

Scheider & company the eagerly awaited DTM debut in Munich will not (yet) be

about scoring championship points. But their ambition to win the prestigious race in

front of their home audience is high.

The track that has been built at Munich’s Olympic stadium during the past few

months is exactly 1.192 kilometers long. In April the grass was removed and the

whole interior of the stadium covered with tarmac. At the beginning of June Audi

racer Filipe Albuquerque at the wheel of the Audi A4 DTM had the opportunity to

explore the circuit which at the time was still provisionally marked by traffic cones.

There was a good reason why one of the three rookies from Audi’s current DTM

squad was chosen to do the reconnaissance run: Last year the Portuguese had won

the “Race of Champions” in Düsseldorf that is also held at a sports arena and

organized by the former Audi factory driver Michèle Mouton. In Düsseldorf

Albuquerque defeated Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel, among

others.

Communications Motorsport

Jürgen Pippig

Telephone: +49 (0)841 89 34200

E-mail: motorsport-media@audi.de

www.audi-motorsport.info

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Another racer from Audi’s ranks has even won the “Race of Champions” three times:

In 2006 Mattias Ekström triumphed at the Stade de France in Paris, in 2007 at

London’s Wembley Stadium and in 2009 at the “Bird’s Nest” in Beijing where he

defeated Michael Schumacher at the finale. That is why Albuquerque and Ekström

know exactly what the fans can look forward to.

The DTM race in Munich, however, differs from the “Race of Champions” in many

respects. In Munich the drivers are not racing on two separate tracks but on one and

the same circuit. The start and finish are directly next to each other in the opposite

direction so that the spectators can clearly see who is running in front at the end of

each semi-lap.

In addition, the DTM stars will not be driving cars that have been determined by the

drawing of lots but their own DTM race cars. And, last but not least, one pit stop,

respectively, which must be performed by a maximum of six mechanics, is

prescribed as of the quarter-final runs.

Therefore, in addition to the driving skills on the shortest and most winding race

track in DTM history, the swift work of the pit crews will be crucial. This is not a

disadvantage for Audi at all. At four of the five first races of the season Audi Sport

Team Abt Sportsline performed the quickest pit stop for which tire partner Hankook

always presents the winning crew with an award.

It is clear though that aerodynamics and top speed – two fortes of the current Audi

A4 DTM – will play no role at the Olympic Stadium. On the meandering track in

Munich traction and good turn-in behavior will be particularly important.

At two free practice sessions on Friday the Audi drivers will have time to find the

optimum setup for their cars. On Saturday the “race of marques” will be on the

agenda at which the drivers of one brand will first compete against each other.

Then, at the finale, the best Audi and the best Mercedes driver will determine the

day’s winner at two rounds.

On Sunday the best eight drivers of each brand are eligible to run. As of the eighthfinal

Audi will be pitted against Mercedes-Benz in a knockout format.

The fans will get to see 16 of three to five laps each per day. In addition, there will

be a prologue on Saturday and a half-hour warm-up on Sunday. An extensive

supporting program will be offered as well – including commentaries by Atze

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Schröder and live music acts by Mando Diao, The Rattles and Kensingten Road.

Tickets for the stands start selling at 29 euros.

ARD’s live broadcast on “Das Erste” on Sunday (July 17) will start with the quarterfinal

at 2 p.m. (local time). On Saturday ARD will also air one and a half hours of live

coverage from Munich.

Quotes by the officials

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “It’s great that we can perform a

show event in Munich with the DTM and in partnership with ARD. I’m convinced that

we’ll be able to win fans there that otherwise might not go to watch a DTM race.

Even though Munich is not about scoring points for the championship it’s an

important event for Audi that we’re taking very seriously and at which we want to

present our brand well. I hope that many spectators will turn out to enjoy the DTM

and its extensive supporting program.”

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “Munich is very

special for us. We’ve got many fans. We’re inviting all employees of Abt Sportsline

to join us there so that they can experience their race team live again for a change.

Of course we’re hoping for a lot of action to be generated at this sports arena. The

crowd there is said to be outstanding, and that also goes for the noise level. It’ll no

doubt be an interesting match.”

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “Everything is new for us.

We’ve never fought such a duel and aren’t sure yet what to expect there – how we’ll

have to set up our cars, how the tires will work on such a short track and how we’ll

keep them warm. There are many question marks. Everyone’s starting from scratch.

I suppose that those who can adjust faster than their rivals will be in front.”

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): “I’ve been active in

motorsport for 35 years but Munich will be very special. We’ve never raced at an

Olympic stadium. There will probably be a large crowd. We’re arriving with two

rookies, although Filipe Albuquerque has already won the Race of Champions. I’m

expecting quite a bit of him in Munich. After all, he’s already defeated Sébastien

Loeb, Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher at the Race of Champions, so he’s

got a lot going for him.”

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Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

Filipe Albuquerque (26/P), TV Movie Audi A4 DTM #18 (Audi Sport Team

Rosberg)

• Travels to the sports arena event as the current winner of the Race of Champions

“When I tested in Munich it was difficult to make out the subsequent track layout as

I was only driving on an area of tarmac between traffic cones. The stadium is huge

and very nice. A large crowd fits in it. Bruno Spengler and I familiarized ourselves

with the planned safety gaps and radii of the corners. In the meantime concrete

barriers have been erected at the places where the traffic cones were during the

test. Now we’ll probably be braking two or three meters earlier ... But that’s

perfectly normal as such tracks don’t forgive any mistakes. The most important

thing is that the spectators will enjoy it and can watch the cars well. We’ll probably

also be doing many donuts.”

Mattias Ekström (32/S), Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #8 (Audi Sport Team Abt

Sportsline)

• As a three-time winner of the Race of Champions, is familiar with stadium

events

• Will celebrate his 33rd birthday shortly before the event

“To win in Munich you need a good set-up. Only then can you drive without making

mistakes. If you’re successful on the first day then you’ll also cover the longest

distance. So the first heats are the most important ones. That makes the second day

successful too. I’m looking forward to the event.”

Rahel Frey (25/CH), Glamour Audi A4 DTM #15 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)

• Has achieved a one hundred percent rate of finishes in the DTM

“We’re all very excited about going to Munich because it’ll be a head-to-head race

between two contenders. That’ll be a very close situation. The difficulty is to get the

brakes and tires to work well in such a short time. That increases the risk of making

a mistake. It’ll be a great challenge for the drivers. And also for the spectators who

are really eager to see this. It’ll be a tremendous spectacle.”

Oliver Jarvis (27/GB), Audi Sport performance cars A4 DTM #5 (Audi Sport Team

Abt)

• With a third-place finish at Spielberg achieved his best result of the season

“Although I don’t really have an idea yet of what we’ll be in for there I’m already

looking forward to running in Munich. Naturally, I’ve talked with some of the other

drivers who have previously contested the Race of Champions, which is quite similar.

It’ll probably be good fun and a spectacular event for the fans. And of course it’s

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nice to be racing so close to Audi’s headquarters. And the Olympic Stadium is very

special anyway. The fans can get very close to the cars. That’ll be a fantastic show.”

Miguel Molina (22/E), Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #22 (Audi Sport Team Abt Junior)

• Was the best DTM rookie in 2010

• Has not scored any points in the first half of the 2011 season

“This will be an entertaining race format for sure. I’ve never run at such an event

before. I want to enjoy it. But obviously we also want to show a good sporting

performance and experience a successful race weekend.”

Edoardo Mortara (24/I/F), Playboy Audi A4 DTM #19 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)

• After the first half of the season is the DTM rookie with the highest point score

“I’ve got no plan as to what to expect there. How exactly the track at the Olympic

Stadium will have to be driven and what lines will work there I don’t know yet. But

I’m absolutely sure that it’ll be a nice event for the people in front of their TV sets

and on location. I hope that we’ll be able to offer them a nice show for their money

and that there’ll be no accidents.”

Mike Rockenfeller (27/D), E-POSTBRIEF Audi A4 DTM #9 (Audi Sport Team Abt

Sportsline)

• Returned to the DTM at the Norisring and is completely fit again

“We’ll no doubt have a lot of fun. I’m eager to see what it’s like to drive on the track

in a DTM car. For the people in the stadium the sound will be fantastic for sure. I’m

looking forward to it. It’ll be a relaxed, unique atmosphere. Still, we’re ambitious

too. We want to win even though I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ll let

myself be surprised and will try to prepare as best I can.”

Timo Scheider (32/D), AUTO TEST Audi A4 DTM #4 (Audi Sport Team Abt)

• In third place of the standings is the best driver of a current A4 DTM this season

• Is one of just four drivers who have scored points at every round in 2011

“I’m particularly looking forward to Munich because this will be a very special event

at this arena – and I believe that such concepts have good prospects for the future.

It’ll be a totally different event from anything we’ve ever had. I like the idea of going

to the fans in the middle of the city. I have a bit of stadium experience from the

Stockcar Crash Challenge and other events where you drive in the middle of 40,000,

50,000 or 60,000 spectators. I hope that we can bring a little of this stadium

atmosphere that everyone knows from soccer into the DTM as well. Then we’ll be

seeing drivers in high spirits who may go beyond the limit. Although there’ll be no

points, everyone wants to win. We’ll probably be seeing spectacular scenes with

donuts and all the trimmings. We don’t know exactly what to expect but we’re

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incredibly excited and I’m hoping to be the one to start the first Mexican wave in the

stands.”

Martin Tomczyk (29/D), Schaeffler Audi A4 DTM #14 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)

• Celebrated his 20th podium position in the DTM in Nuremberg

• As the runner-up after the first half of the season is the best Audi driver

“I’m happy that in Munich the Olympic Stadium was selected as the venue. That’ll be

a fantastic thing! Especially because it’s a new race format. The knockout system has

already acquired a certain prestige in the paddock. I haven’t met anyone yet who’s

not looking forward to it. Driving at the Olympic Stadium like in a bowl is a

fascinating situation. And the fact that it’s in my native Bavaria makes it even

better.”

The Audi drivers in the 2011 DTM

Filipe Albuquerque (P): * Jun 13, 1985 in Coimbra (P); residence: Coimbra (P)

single; height: 1.74 m; weight: 64 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 5; pole

positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 8th place); fastest laps: 0; points: 1; DTM

titles: 0.

Mattias Ekström (S): * Jul 14, 1978 in Falun (S); residence: Salenstein (CH); single

(partner Heidi), one son (Mats); height: 1.83 m; weight: 77 kg; Audi driver since

1999; DTM races: 109; pole positions: 16; victories: 14; fastest laps: 11; points:

493; DTM titles: 2 (2004, 2007).

Rahel Frey (CH): * Feb 23, 1986 in Niederbipp (CH); residence: Aedermannsdorf

(CH); single; height: 1.63 m; weight: 50 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 5;

pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 15th place) fastest laps: 0; points: 0; DTM

titles: 0.

Oliver Jarvis (GB): * Jan 09, 1984 in Burwell (GB); residence: Ermatingen (CH);

single; height: 1.80 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2008; DTM races: 37; pole

positions: 1; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 0; points: 51; DTM

titles: 0.

Miguel Molina (E): * Feb 17, 1989 in Girona (E); residence: Lloret de Mar (E); single;

height: 1.75 m; weight: 62 kg; Audi driver since 2010; DTM races: 16; pole

positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 4th place); fastest laps: 1; points: 15; DTM

titles: 0.

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Edoardo Mortara (I/F): * Jan 12, 1987 in Geneva (CH); residence: Geneva (CH);

single; height: 1.82 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 5; pole

positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 5th place); fastest laps: 0; points: 7; DTM

titles: 0.

Mike Rockenfeller (D): * Oct 31, 1983 in Neuwied (D); residence: Altnau (CH);

single; height: 1.75 m; weight: 67 kg; Audi driver since 2007; DTM races: 46; pole

positions: 0; victories: 1; fastest laps: 2; points: 57; DTM titles: 0.

Timo Scheider (D): * Nov 11, 1978 in Lahnstein (D); residence: Lochau (A); single

(partner Jessica), one son (Loris); height: 1.78 m; weight: 74 kg; Audi driver since

2006; DTM races: 114; pole positions: 9; victories: 6; fastest laps: 7; points: 343;

DTM titles: 2 (2008, 2009).

Martin Tomczyk (D): * Dec 07, 1981 in Rosenheim (D); residence: Aesch/Basel (CH);

single (partner Christina); height: 1.88 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2001;

DTM races: 108; pole positions: 8; victories: 6; fastest laps: 5; points: 285; DTM

titles: 0.

2011 DTM point standings

1 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz) 39 points

2 Martin Tomczyk (Audi A4 DTM) 36 points

3 Timo Scheider (Audi A4 DTM) 24 points

4 Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz) 21 points

5 Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes-Benz) 17 points

6 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi A4 DTM) 14 points

7 Mattias Ekström (Audi A4 DTM) 11 points

8 Oliver Jarvis (Audi A4 DTM) 10 points

9 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) 9 points

10 Edoardo Mortara (Audi A4 DTM) 7 points

11 Maro Engel (Mercedes-Benz) 3 points

12 Tom Kristensen (Audi A4 DTM) 2 points

13 David Coulthard (Mercedes-Benz) 1 point

14 Filipe Albuquerque (Audi A4 DTM) 1 point

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2011 DTM season interim statistics

Victories: Mercedes-Benz 2; Audi 3

Pole positions: Mercedes-Benz 4; Audi 1

Fastest laps: Mercedes-Benz 3; Audi 2

Leading laps: Mercedes-Benz 135; Audi 98

Audi DTM statistics

Pole positions: 59

Victories: 57

Fastest laps: 49

Champion’s titles: 7 (1990, 1991, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009)

Timetable

Saturday, July 16

10:35–11:45 Race of Marques, prologue (3 laps)

13:10–14:05 Race of Marques, eighth-final (3 laps)

14:20–14:50 Race of Marques, quarter-final (4 laps)

17:15–17:30 Race of Marques, semi-final (4 laps)

17:35–17:50 Race of Marques, final (2 rounds of 5 laps each)

Sunday, July 17

10:00–10:30 Warm-up

12:45–13:35 Eighth-final (3 laps)

13:55–14:25 Quarter-final (4 laps)

14:35–14:50 Semi-final (4 laps)

15:00–15:15 Final (2 rounds of 5 laps each)

TV schedule (ARD live)

Saturday, July 16

13:30–15:00 Uhr Race of Marques

Sunday, July 17

14:00–15:25 Race

Audi Motorsport/for acreditated and autorized media press.

Audi R18 TDI with efficient aerodynamics

Audi R18 TDI with efficient aerodynamics

• Only four weeks before the 24 Hours of Le Mans
• Impressive maximum speed despite reduced engine power
• Innovative engine concept also brings aerodynamic advantage.

Ingolstadt, May 12, 2011 – Audi contests the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans with a
closed car for the first time since 1999. Aerodynamic efficiency was the focus of
attentions during development of the new Audi R18 TDI because it plays an even
larger role at Le Mans than in the past.
“A closed car is not necessarily more efficient,” stresses Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head
of Technology at Audi Sport. “Race cars designed to generate very high downforce
levels, in Formula 1 for example, are also very efficient ‘open’ designs. If you want to
go in the direction of low drag or must, like now at Le Mans with the engine power
being reduced and the circuit characteristics still dominated by long straights and
high speed, then a ‘closed’ car is more efficient than an ‘open’ one.”
For this reason, Audi Sport has dropped the ‘roadster’ concept with which the four
Rings brand recorded nine Le Mans victories between 2000 and 2010. Head of Audi
Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich has mixed feelings: “I really liked the ‘open’ cars
but there are beautiful ‘closed’ sports prototypes as well – and I think that the R18
TDI is a typical Audi making a very good visual impression.”
It is, however, not only aerodynamic efficiency that plays a role in the decision for or
against a ‘closed’ car. The sporting regulations developed in such a way over the
years that one of the roadster’s decisive advantages – namely fast driver changes –
was eradicated: changing tires at Le Mans now takes considerably longer due to the
fewer number of mechanics allowed to work simultaneously on the car. Therefore a
fast driver change is no longer a decisive factor.
Turbulence in the cockpit area is the greatest disadvantage ‘open’ race cars have
with regard to a good cd value. Airflow around a closed car like the R18 TDI is
significantly more uniform. The resulting increase in aerodynamic efficiency can be
transformed into either more downforce or greater top speed.
The wind tunnel continues to play a major role during the development of a Le Mans
sports car. The relevance of so-called CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
simulations on high-performance computers was increased significantly. CFD allows
engineers to simulate the air flow around and through the car. “While basic
concepts and also complex detail tests are calculated, performance relevant
dynamic running conditions can be evaluated in the model wind tunnel,” explains
Axel Löffler, Head of Chassis Development and Aerodynamics at Audi Sport.
Optimization of the aerodynamic efficiencies in different dynamic attitudes was one
of the most important points in the R18 TDI performance specification. “The ground
clearance changes, at high speeds the car is closer to the track due to the
downforce,” says Mühlmeier. “Once again our target was to achieve well-balanced
handling that is not too acute. To a certain extent you must forego absolute peak
values to realize this.”
In contrast to the preceding R15 TDI model, the internal airflow of the car could be
significantly improved. The innovative engine concept is, among other factors, also
responsible for this. The extremely compact V6 TDI engine and the relocation of the
exhaust system and turbocharger to the top of the power unit allows hot air exiting
from the coolers to flow unobstructed out of the rear bodywork.
The fin, stipulated by the regulations, which extends between the cockpit and rear
wing and which should help to reduce speed in the event of a spin, had considerable
influence on the design of the R18 TDI. “Integration of the new fin in the overall
vehicle aerodynamics was the result of extensive analysis,” says Axel Löffler. “To
respect the safety aspects without creating losses in the overall efficiency required
completely new approaches during development.”
As a consequence Audi Sport tried to integrate the fin into the vehicle’s structural
and overall aerodynamic concept. To this end, the rear wing mountings merge
almost seamlessly with the fin. The single piece exhaust was also integrated
innovatively in the overall packaging at the rear.
Audi also uses the fin as a design element. “I think that we found a good
compromise by attempting to view the fin as an active element,” says Dr. Wolfgang
Ullrich who is proud of the new Audi R18 TDI prototype’s aerodynamic efficiency.
“Aerodynamics has always been one of Audi’s core skills. It speaks for itself that in
spite of significantly reduced engine power we reach almost the same top speed and
levels of downforce like last year with the R15 TDI.”
Audi Motorsport/ Acreditated Media Press.

Quotes after the race at Hockenheim

Quotes after the race at Hockenheim

Ingolstadt/Hockenheim, May 1, 2011 – Mattias Ekström clinched a podium result
for Audi at the season opener by finishing as the runner-up. Timo Scheider and
Martin Tomczyk showed strong performances as well. Quotes from the Audi
drivers after the race at Hockenheim.

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “At the race today we’ve seen a
similar picture as we did yesterday in qualifying. Bruno Spengler was just a little bit
faster. Behind him the whole field was very close together. Mattias (Ekström) and
Timo (Scheider) squeezed the maximum out of their potential. Martin (Tomczyk)
was very quick in his year-old car too. Naturally, the safety car mixed up the situation
quite a bit – but that’s part of racing. All in all, it was an interesting opening round
which promises an exciting season.”

Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #8), 2nd place
“Obviously, winning feels better than anything else. Today we achieved second place
– that’s nearly perfect, but not completely. We had a car to be in contention for
victory – particularly after my good start. But Bruno (Spengler) simply overtook me
flat-out on the outside of turn one alongside the track. I was running flat-out too
but he had more momentum that way and was able to pass me again. I didn’t think
that this was okay. It was the crucial moment of the race because we were almost
equally quick. Toward the end the situation became really exciting once more. A few
turns before the finish something broke on my rear suspension. But this time I was
luckier than in the years before – maybe that’s a good omen for the 2011 season.”

Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi A4 DTM #4), 4th place
“P4 is a result I can live with today. Right at the start I had body contact at the rear
when I was pushed against the car in front of me. As a result, the front of my car
was damaged. At the rear I lost a few flics. That was not helpful for balance. That’s
why I’m pretty happy to have finished in fourth place.”

Martin Tomczyk (Schaeffler Audi A4 DTM #14), 5th place
“We were competitive this weekend from the outset. The driver, the car and the
team – all three of these have always got to fit together. This was definitely the case
here. It was also huge fun to be driving a DTM race again, particularly the overtaking
maneuvers I had. The duel with Maro (Engel) was tough but friendly. I feel that
that’s the way a fight between two rivals in the DTM should be. The duel with Ralf
(Schumacher) was fair too. It was a good start that we can be happy with.”

Oliver Jarvis (Audi Sport performance cars A4 DTM #5), 9th place
“This wasn’t the start I’d been hoping for. We wanted to score points and fight for a
podium position but we finished in ninth place. It was an improvement over our
qualifying performance. But now we’ve got to work hard and make fewer mistakes in
the next race. Hankook have done a good job, but I’ve got to gain a better
understanding of the tires. I’m hoping that we can be stronger at Zandvoort.”

Mike Rockenfeller (E-POSTBRIEF Audi A4 DTM #9), 11th place
“The weekend had started out well. Practice was okay. Position five in qualifying
wasn’t perfect but it was a good starting base. Unfortunately, that doesn’t do you
any good if you go home empty-handed. That’s why my race was disappointing from
start to finish. Nothing seemed to really fit. The main problem: I was much too
slow, which bothers me the most. At the first pit stop something went wrong. The
car wasn’t lowered properly. I also hit the safety car period at an unfortunate point
in time. I had to stop at the red light. A weekend to forget.”

Edoardo Mortara (Playboy Audi A4 DTM #19), 14th place
“My first race in the DTM was marked by many difficulties. But I’m glad to have
finished it. We had communications problems and I wasn’t able to listen to the
team radio. The safety car was on the track when I had to pit, that was a bit
unfortunate. We’ve got to be satisfied. The race was okay. We know that kinds of
problems we had. Without these difficulties we can drive a better race.”

Rahel Frey (Glamour Audi A4 DTM #15), 15th place
“My assessment after the first race is very positive. The teamwork is fantastic, the
guys support me. The race had ups and downs but basically I pulled through and
achieved my goal. I’m happy.”

Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #22), 16th place
“The race wasn’t so bad. I started from position eight and fought for seventh place.
After the re-start following the safety car period I was hit and spun so that my race
was over. Now we need to fight for the next race. Fortunately, the next round is
coming up in just two weeks from now.”

Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A4 DTM #18), 17th place
“I had a very good start and was able to make up some positions. But then I lost
some places in the commotion. It was very tight, door to door, someone brushed
me. After the safety car period Vietoris touched me, which cost me a lot of time. At
least I did finish the race. It was a very tough race. We collected kilometers. That
was a positive thing here. But we need a lot more speed.”

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “This wasn’t bad
for a season opener. It was a tough race. We tried to get everything right. The pit
crew did a superb job. The strategy was perfect too. But Mercedes didn’t make a
single mistake either. Congratulations to Bruno Spengler, he drove a great race.
We’re pleased to see that we’re racing at the same pace and are in contention for
victory. That was not quite the case last year. Therefore, we’re in for an exciting
season.”

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “An optimal start into the
season. Martin (Tomczyk) was one of the protagonists of this race. He had some
first-class duels. His car was running well. All of our pit stops were very good. At
Martin’s second stop we were even a bit too fast and didn’t get the fuel can off the
car in time. That’s why Martin went out with the fuel can and dropped from fourth
to fifth place. A big ‘well done’ to Martin and the team. I’m also pleased with
Rahel’s (Frey) performance at her first DTM race. She finished in 15th place and
made no mistakes. Naturally, she still needs to become a bit faster. We’re working
on that.”

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): “I was quite happy that we
started among the top ten with one car. Edoardo Mortara’s start was pretty decent.
He came out of the first lap on position nine and did a pretty good job of defending
his place. He was fighting a fair duel with Gary Paffett for a long time. I was pretty
pleased. But then we encountered a communications problem. We didn’t know at
which point in time the radio was still working. When we were trying to call Edoardo
in during the safety car period he couldn’t hear us. He kept on driving, that meant
his race was over. Filipe Albuquerque didn’t have a bad start either but was forced
into the grass. When his tires were dirty he was overtaken and running in the
penultimate position. Then he ran a red light after a pit stop. Although that’s
unfortunate and shouldn’t happen it has happened to others before. Now we’ve got
to close the book on it and continue the performance we showed during the tests.”
Info and Fotos: Audi Motorsport/ for acreditated and autorized press media.