Audi Press Release
On Tuesday you unveiled the new Audi RS 5 DTM together with your Audi team mates at the International Motor Show in Geneva. Did you enjoy the presentation?
I was well impressed by Audi’s huge exhibition stand. It’s very modern and professionally built. Furthermore, I was proud to be a part of the Audi Sport press conference and to be able to drive the Audi RS 5 DTM onto the stage in front of the public. It’s fantastic to see so many racecars on the Audi stand – this shows just how strongly integrated motorsport is in the company.
What is your first impression of the Audi RS 5 DTM?
I got my first impression of the car’s handling during the tests at Valencia. I got on very well. Many things still will be tested to further optimize the car. It’s very interesting for me to monitor this development work. Audi Sport is working very hard to further improve the performance of the Audi RS 5 DTM within the actual constraints.
Do you now feel at home at Audi and in your new team Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline?
Yes. Being at the training camp in Ofterschwang helped me a lot. We did a lot of sport together and spoke a lot with each other. This helped me to become a part of the Audi family more easily. Having said this, I still have to get to know Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline better. This is why I go to Abt in Kempten next week.
Mattias Ekström is your new team mate. Are you happy about this?
I think that we are a good combination – even if we were rivals in the past. I’ve had a lot of different team mates in my career. I’ve known Mattias since 2004 when I won the Formula 3 Euro Series championship. We are the same age, have the same mentality, a similar level of experience and are clever enough to combine our experience in the best way to bring more success for the team and Audi. Perhaps I can also learn something new from a two-time DTM Champion.
What are your expectations for your first DTM season as Audi driver?
Winning the championship remains my big goal. Even though Audi didn’t live up to its own expectations in 2012, I start the new season completely impartially and hope that we can fight for the title this year. I’m happy that I can compete for Audi in one of the most successful DTM teams. The last title was two years ago – I think that the necessary will to win is there.
Photo credit: Audi Media
