2013 DTM calendar - Debut appearance in Moscow

DTM Press Release

11 races, one debut: in its 14th season since the revival back in 2000, DTM will enter virgin soil. For the first time in its history, the most popular international touring-car series is going to contest a race in Russia, next year. On 4th August, 2013, reigning DTM Champion Bruno Spengler and his fellow BMW drivers as well as his opponents representing the Audi and Mercedes-Benz camps will start into the race held at the new circuit located just outside of Moscow. With this new race at Russia’s capital, DTM keeps on pressing ahead with its internationalisation - just a week after the signing of a cooperation deal with the Japanese Super GT for the years from 2014.

“For DTM, the race in Moscow is an important step on the way to breaking into new markets,” says Hans Werner Aufrecht, Chairman of DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V. “For the series and our manufacturers - Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz - racing in a country such as Moscow represents a big chance of presenting themselves internationally in front of a new crowd.”

Nonetheless, DTM will remain rooted in Germany, with six of the eleven races of the 2013 season being held on German soil. Traditionally, the season will be kicked off at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg - on 5th May. The other German races will be held at the Lausitzring (16th June), Nuremberg’s Norisring (7th July), the Nürburgring in the Eifel region (18th August), the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben (15th September) - and for the big season finale (20th October) DTM will return to Hockenheim.

In addition to the race at Moscow, the 2013 calendar comprises another four abroad races. On 19th May, DTM will race at Brands Hatch/UK and two weeks later (2nd June), the DTM teams and drivers will battle it out for championship points at Austria’s Red Bull Ring. On 21st July, Zandvoort, Netherlands, will be the venue of the next abroad race and on 29th September, DTM will be racing in Spain - with the venue still having to be determined.

At the same time, the event in Munich’s Olympic Stadium has lost its position on the DTM calendar. Following the two successful appearances in 2011 and 2012, ITR e.V. and Olympiapark GmbH jointly opted for not exercising the option for a third DTM appearance in the tradition-rich stadium. The reason: the wish to award points in this extraordinary event just couldn’t be realised.

“We had two great years in Munich’s Olympic Stadium and we thank all those involved for this opportunity to entertain the DTM enthusiasts in an unfamiliar environment and virtually right at their doorsteps,” says Hans Werner Aufrecht. “Meanwhile, we weren’t able to make the next step - turning the event into a championship round - as ensuring absolute equality of opportunities is just impossible, on a parallel racetrack.”

“We always made clear that there was only one way to establishing the DTM event in the Olympic Stadium as constant on the DTM calendar - by turning it into a championship round,” added Ralph Huber, the Olympiapark GmbH CEO. “That’s what we owe to the Munich crowds that are true sports enthusiasts. Nonetheless, we have to thank ITR for the extraordinary cooperation in the past two years.”

The 2013 DTM calendar at a glance*
5th May Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg (D)
19th May Brands Hatch (GB)
2nd June Red Bull Ring Spielberg (A)
16th June Lausitzring (D)
7th July Norisring (D)
21st July Circuit Park Zandvoort (NL)
4th August Moscow (RUS)
18th August Nürburgring (D)
15th September Motorsport Arena Oschersleben (D)
29th September
TBA
20th October Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg (D)

* Subject to approval by FIA

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Video: DTM Season 2012 - The DTM Orchestra

By Johan Laubscher

DTM 2012 was a revolution in recent years with the addition of brand new race cars and BMW. The tree-way German title fight was built up to be another excellent season, and it was. Despite the year not going entirely to plan for Audi, it was still great to see the new Audi A5 DTM on track. With the season coming to an end last weekend the DTM have produced a short video encompassing an Orchestra soundtrack and visuals from the season, enjoy: 

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Disappointing DTM finale for Audi

Audi Press Release

• Audi occupies second place in the manufacturers’ classification
• Edoardo Mortara is the only Audi driver to finish in the points
• Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline wins Hankook Best Pit Stop Award

Ingolstadt/Hockenheim, October 21, 2012 - 128,000 spectators in perfect weather witnessed a nail-biting finale of the 2012 DTM season, which Audi finished as the runner-up in the manufacturers’ classification.

The best Audi driver in the last race of the season was Edoardo Mortara, who at the wheel of the Playboy Audi A5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Rosberg advanced from eighth on the grid to finish in sixth place. "This was one the toughest and most strenuous races in my career," said the Italian who was the only Audi driver to score points at Hockenheim. "I’m pleased to see that Audi Sport Team Rosberg was able to finish the season as the best Audi team with this result. Unfortunately, I didn’t quite manage to be the best Audi driver in the end as well. But considering how the season started for us here I’m relatively happy on the whole nonetheless. We continuously improved."

Overall, for Audi, the DTM finale did not go according to plan in any way. Mattias Ekström collided twice with the BMW of the American Joey Hand on the starting lap and damaged the front section of his Red Bull Audi A5 DTM in the process. The Swede held on to fourth place nonetheless before the front right wheel was not properly tightened at the first pit stop and Ekström was forced to retire. Despite this, Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline secured overall victory in the Hankook Pit Stop Award competition with which the DTM’s exclusive tire partner recognizes the quickest stops.

Despite a retirement Mike Rockenfeller in the Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Phoenix finished the 2012 season as the best Audi driver in fourth place overall. Rockenfeller retired at Hockenheim after a collision on the first lap. His team-mate Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A5 DTM) went off the track with brake problems on lap 26. Adrien Tambay (Audi ultra A5 DTM) was not able to see the checkered flag either after a collision with Robert Wickens on the starting lap.

Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A5 DTM), who finished in the top ten at seven of the ten races in 2012, in eleventh place barely missed scoring another point. Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi A5 DTM) recovered from the last position on the grid to twelfth place despite a drive-through penalty. The two-time DTM Champion had been relegated to the rear of the grid because his car had weighed in too light after qualifying.

The E-POSTBRIEF Audi A5 DTM driven by Rahel Frey was damaged in the turbulent starting lap as well. But the Swiss did not give up and took the damaged car across the finish line in 16th place.

"Sincere congratulations to Bruno Spengler and BMW," expressed Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich at the end of what was a difficult 2012 DTM season for Audi. "We simply weren’t strong enough this year. In the DTM everything’s got to fit if you want to win. And sometimes you also need a bit of fortune. This was another weekend on which we didn’t have that fortune. During the winter, we’re going to work even harder on bringing the championship back to Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm next year."

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Audi on second row of the grid at DTM finale

Audi Press Release

•          Close qualifying at the Hockenheimring
•          Mattias Ekström on grid position four is best Audi driver
•          Rahel Frey in Q2 for the second time in succession

Ingolstadt/Hockenheim, October 20, 2012 - Mattias Ekström (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline) will start into the DTM finale at the Hockenheimring (from 13:45 live on "Das Erste") from grid position four as the best Audi driver.

The Swede continued the performance he had shown at the season opener where he had clinched the pole position in his Red Bull Audi A5 DTM at the same venue. In Saturday morning’s free practice, Ekström drove the fastest time and was the best Audi driver in each of the qualifying sections. The two-time DTM Champion, however, entered the crucial shoot-out of the top four with a small disadvantage because he had driven a second timed lap in Q3. "That’s why there was no more grip in the tires in Q4," said Ekström. "I’m pleased nonetheless because I’ve been trying to find a perfect set-up for qualifying at a few of the last races. Today, I managed to do that; the car was right on the dot."

On the whole, the Audi drivers were not able to continue the strong results of the free practice session in the morning. Seven of the eight Audi A5 DTM cars made it into Q2 but only three ultimately managed the leap into the top ten. "After taking the top three places in free practice this morning and all drivers were very happy with their cars, the qualifying results are no doubt a bit disappointing for us," commented Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "As is often the case in the DTM, it was incredibly close today and in the warmer conditions our drivers were complaining about lack of grip. But we’ve still got every chance of achieving our aim, which is to win the manufacturers’ championship. For this goal, we’ve primarily been working on improving our race performance lately. I’m hoping that this’ll pay off tomorrow."

As the second-best Audi driver, Timo Scheider in the AUTO TEST Audi A5 DTM will be starting into the race from grid position eight. Edoardo Mortara in the Playboy Audi A5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Rosberg secured grid position nine.

Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A5 DTM), in eleventh place, missed Q3 by merely 15 thousandths of a second. Mike Rockenfeller (Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM) will be starting alongside him on the sixth row as the best driver of Audi Sport Team Phoenix.

Adrien Tambay (Audi ultra A5 DTM) and Rahel Frey (E-POSTBRIEF Audi A5 DTM) will start into the race from grid positions 15 and 16. The female driver of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline managed the leap into Q2 for the second consecutive time.

Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A5 DTM) lost valuable practice time in the morning due to an excursion into the gravel trap and was the only Audi driver to be eliminated in Q1. The Spaniard will start from position 20.

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Joint future for DTM and Japanese Super GT from 2014

DTM Press Release

From 2014, DTM will be heading in a new direction. Thanks to a cooperation deal signed this Tuesday in Tokyo, the most popular international touring-car series is not only open for the Japanese car manufacturers but at the same time, the three premium-car manufacturers involved in DTM, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, also will have the opportunity to compete in the Japanese Super GT. The agreement regarding the use of the ‘New DTM’ regulations by Japan’s Super GT begins in 2014 and runs – for the time being – for four years.

“This is a very special day for all those involved but in addition, it also has got outstanding significance for the entire motor racing world. This unique cooperation was made possible by the right parties getting involved at the perfect point in time,” said Hans Werner Aufrecht, Chairman of DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V., on the occasion of the signing of the contract with the Japanese Series organiser, GT Association (GTA), in Tokyo.

“This cooperation of GTA and ITR based on the new technical regulations is a dream come true. We believe that this milestone in motor-racing history will not only help to reduce the costs dramatically but at the same time, it also should help improving safety and creating spectacular racing with equal chances for the manufacturers and teams, thus entertaining the millions of fans all over the world.”

“The GTA, ITR and the manufacturers involved are entering virgin soil,” said Audi Motorsport Director Dr Wolfgang Ulrich who represented the DTM manufacturers, in Tokyo. The Super GT in Japan and DTM have got many common ideas – a fact that became evident in the intense discussions we had in recent years. Now, these organisations are going to cooperate on the basis of shared technical regulations. A move that will guarantee maximum safety, spectacular sport and cost-efficient motor racing.”

“The technical regulations of DTM are trend-setting in many ways,” added Christian Schacht, Secretary General of the German Motor Sport Association (DMSB). “Key facts such as the fascinating cars, the high safety standards and the cost efficiency, too, represented the top priorities in the discussions with the Japanese Motor Sport Federation.”

Massaki Banndoh, Chairman of the GTA, also was delighted: “We believe that this agreement will contribute greatly to the development of both the SUPER GT and DTM race series. We also think that deepening the relationship between DTM in Europe and SUPER GT in Asia toward the future may lead to new developments – such as organizing exchange races for both series – that have got what it takes to bring new excitement and pleasure to the fans around the world.

The agreement was created in close cooperation of the German Motor Sport Association (DMSB) and the Japanese Automobile Association (JAF). Thanks to the same technical basis, the DTM manufacturers, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, will be able to race against Toyota, Nissan and Honda in the Japanese Super GT, from 2014. Und at the same time, the Japanese manufacturers will have the opportunity to compete in DTM.

To make for equal opportunities for the DTM and Super GT cars that currently are racing with differing engine concepts, the cars will be categorised according to a system called ‘Balance of Performance’ (BOP) for a transitional period.

At the same time, the beginning of this partnership also means an intensification of the successful collaboration of the manufacturers involved – Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz as well as Toyota, Nissan and Honda – the two series organisers, ITR e.V. and GTA, and the associations DMSB and JAF. In the future, joint technical working groups and circles will hold meetings to create the basis for a continuous exchange of information.

Photo credit: ITR/DTM and GTA/Super GT

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Audi travels to DTM finale as leader of the manufacturers’ standings‏

Audi Press Release

·         31-point advantage over Mercedes-Benz, 41 over BMW

·         Audi A5 DTM returns to the venue of its race debut

·         Winning the manufacturers’ championship is the aim

Ingolstadt/Hockenheim, October 12, 2012 - World Champion in the sports prototype category, winner of the 24-hour classics at Le Mans, at the Nürburgring and at Spa: In endurance racing, Audi was the number one in the 2012 season. In the DTM, the brand with the four rings still has the chance of winning the manufacturers’ title at the Hockenheimring finale on October 21.

The Audi A5 DTM is returning to the venue of its debut. At the Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg, the new Audi race touring car started into its first race at the end of April - from the top spot on the grid. At the premiere, Mattias Ekström clinched the first pole position and the first podium for the A5 DTM. In the meantime, the tally reflects three fastest times in qualifying, two victories, nine podium results and 327 points. With that, Audi is leading the manufacturers’ standings before the last race of the season - 31 points ahead of Mercedes-Benz and 41 ahead of BMW. A manufacturer can still achieve a maximum of 88 points at Hockenheim.

Audi has scored the majority of the points in the second half of the season. This underscores the fact that following a first half of the season that was less than perfect, the 1990, 1991, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011 champion has regained its traditional strength after the summer break - not least thanks to the continuous further development of the A5 DTM. Consequently, the engineers and technicians of Audi Sport are particularly eager to see how the lap times and relative strengths have changed compared with the season opener.

Winning the manufacturer’s championship is the primary aim of the automobile manufacturer from Ingolstadt at Hockenheim. Among the Audi squads there are a few more stakes involved: Who will finish the season as the best Audi driver? Which squad will be the best Audi team?

All Audi drivers have scored points this year. This has never been the case before ever since the brand returned to the DTM with a manufacturer’s commitment in the 2004 season. And the three Audi Sport Teams Rosberg, Abt Sportsline and Phoenix are separated by only seven points in the teams’ classification.

So far, Mike Rockenfeller (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) has scored the largest number of points for Audi this year. The 2010 Le Mans winner was on podium twice and at Zandvoort barely missed his first victory of the season. The second-best Audi driver in the overall classification is Mattias Ekström (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline), who won the DTM show race at the Munich Olympic Stadium in July. Trailing him by a narrow margin is Edoardo Mortara (Audi Sport Team Rosberg), winner of the races at Spielberg and Zandvoort.

42 laps have to be completed in the DTM finale at the Hockenheimring. Tickets are available on the internet at www.audi.de/dtm. ARD will broadcast the qualifying session (Saturday, October 20 starting at 13:25, local time) and the race (Sunday, October 21, starting at 13:45) live as usual on "Das Erste." In addition, the ARD motorsport program "Benzin im Blut" will celebrate its debut on race day. From 13:15, "Das Erste" will get fans in the mood for the eagerly awaited DTM finale with its new motorsport format.

Quotes by the officials

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): "At Valencia, we achieved our stage-win and took over the leadership in the manufacturers’ championship. Our aim for Hockenheim is to extend this lead with a similarly positive team performance. We’re going to give everything to make this happen."

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline):"Hockenheim is the grand finale of the DTM, which promises suspense galore. After the great result at Valencia, there’s just one aim for our team: we want to clinch the last victory of the year."

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): "It’s incredible how fast the season has passed. So now we’re returning to Hockenheim. When the season started we weren’t perfectly sorted there yet. We’ll leave no stone unturned to clinch a victory at the end of the season and to secure the manufacturers’ championship for Audi."

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): "Hockenheim is our home race and naturally we’re looking forward to it with particularly eager anticipation. We’ve already had a very good season but now we’d like to put a dot on another ‘i’. If at all possible, we want to shake off the misfortune we often suffered at Hockenheim and forcefully strike once more."

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

Filipe Albuquerque (27/P), TV Movie Audi A5 DTM #22 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
- Has scored points at seven of the nine races in 2012
- Advanced into the top ten of the overall standings at Valencia
"My performance at Valencia was strong even though the race didn’t go perfectly. I’m totally motivated for the finale. At Hockenheim, we’ve now got to demonstrate continuity. My maxim is all-out attack!"

Mattias Ekström (34/S), Red Bull Audi A5 DTM #3 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
- Clinched the first pole position for the new Audi A5 DTM at the season opener
- Has celebrated as many as two DTM wins at the Hockenheimring
"Hockenheim has always been one of my favorite tracks. Now the finale is around the corner. So we’ve got another season behind us and it would be nice to end the year with a highlight. In the past two races, in terms of balance, we leveled the car at ten out of ten possible points. For Hockenheim, our aim is to achieve these ten points as early as in qualifying."

Rahel Frey (26/CH), E-POSTBRIEF Audi A5 DTM #17 (Audi Sport Team Abt)
- Finished in seventh place at Valencia and scored her first points in the DTM
- Celebrated her DTM debut at the Hockenheimring at the beginning of 2011
"I’m looking forward to Hockenheim and want to go flat-out again there once more. We’ve already been to Hockenheim this season, so we know what we’ve got to do better this time. Since the race at the Nürburgring my crew and I’ve experienced an upswing. Obviously, I want to take that with me to Hockenheim again and am hoping to be able to continue the performance we showed at Valencia."

Miguel Molina (23/E), Red Bull Audi A5 DTM #10 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
- Started from the pole position at the Hockenheim finale last year
- Has clinched his only podium result in the DTM to date at Hockenheim
"The last round of the season at Hockenheim is coming up and I’m hoping for a good result for Audi and for myself. Last year, I drove a good race here and of course I’d like to repeat that now."

Edoardo Mortara (25/I/F), Playboy Audi A5 DTM #21 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
- Has clinched the only two victories with the Audi A5 DTM to date
- Has never scored points at the Hockenheimring before
"I’m really hoping for us to be competitive again at Hockenheim and that we won’t have any technical problems with the car. And of course I’m also hoping that the car will be as fast again there as it was last was at Valencia."

Mike Rockenfeller (28/D), Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM #9 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
- Is starting into the DTM finale as the Audi driver with the highest points score
- In third place, achieved his so far best result at Hockenheim in 2010
"At the last race of the season, my maxim is: all-out attack. We’re highly motivated after the good performance at Valencia. I’ll be giving all I can to score as many points as possible for the championship and to be in contention for victory too."

Timo Scheider (33/D), AUTO TEST Audi A5 DTM #4 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
- Is the only Audi driver to have won the DTM finale at Hockenheim to date
- Secured his two DTM titles (2008 and 2009) at the Hockenheimring
"Even though, obviously, everyone is focused on the decision for the drivers’ title, the main focus for us at Audi is the title in the manufacturers’ championship. At Valencia, we delivered a very strong team result. It would simply be nice to finish the season finale with another good result and, if at all possible, to win the manufacturers’ title for Audi. If we manage to do that, then we’ll have managed to close the season on a positive note. In any event, I’m looking forward to the finale at Hockenheim. It’ll probably be a real thriller. Besides that, it’s always a special thing to drive there in front of a great audience."

Adrien Tambay (F/21), Audi ultra A5 DTM #18 (Audi Sport Team Abt)
- Clinched his first podium result in the DTM at Valencia
- Is driving his tenth DTM race at the Hockenheimring
"After the brilliant result at Valencia, I’m obviously now looking forward to the finale of my fantastic first DTM season with particularly eager anticipation. Hockenheim is a nice track; I’ve won races there before. I want to take the momentum from Valencia with me and am convinced that we’ll again be able to achieve a good result if we manage to do all the right things straight from the start."

The Audi drivers in the 2012 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: 19; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 0; points: 35; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Hockenheim: 10

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: 123; pole positions: 19; victories: 17; fastest laps: 12; points: 615; DTM titles: 2 (2004, 2007); best result, DTM Hockenheim: 1

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: 19; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 7th place); fastest laps: 0; points: 6; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Hockenheim: 15

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: 30; pole positions: 2; victories: 0 (best result: 3rd place); fastest laps: 1; points: 34; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Hockenheim: 3

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: 19; pole positions: 1; victories: 2; fastest laps: 0; points: 95; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Hockenheim: 11

Mike Rockenfeller (D): * Oct 31, 1983 in Neuwied (D); residence: Altnau (CH); single (partner Susanne); height: 1.75 m; weight: 67 kg; Audi driver since 2007; DTM races: 60; pole positions: 1; victories: 1; fastest laps: 2; points: 159; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Hockenheim: 3

Timo Scheider (D): * Nov 10, 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: 128; pole positions: 10; victories: 6; fastest laps: 9; points: 373; DTM titles: 2 (2008, 2009); best result, DTM Hockenheim: 1

Adrien Tambay (F): * Feb 25, 1991 in Paris (F); residence: Lochau (A); single; height: 1.81 m; weight: 69 kg; Audi driver since 2012; DTM races: 9; pole positions: 0; victories: 0; (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 0; points: 28; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Hockenheim: -

DTM drivers’ standings after 9 of 10 rounds
1 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) 127 points
2 Bruno Spengler (BMW) 124 points
3 Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz) 109 points
4 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) 85 points
5 Mattias Ekström (Audi) 81 points
6 Edoardo Mortara (Audi) 74 points
7 Martin Tomczyk (BMW) 69 points
8 August Farfus (BMW) 54 points
9 Adrien Tambay (Audi) 28 points
10 Filipe Albuquerque (Audi) 26 points
11 Christian Vietoris (Mercedes-Benz) 24 points
12 Dirk Werner (BMW) 19 points
13 Timo Scheider (Audi) 19 points
14 Andy Priaulx (BMW) 18 points
15 David Coulthard (Mercedes-Benz) 14 points
16 Robert Wickens (Mercedes-Benz) 14 points
17 Miguel Molina (Audi) 8 points
18 Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes-Benz) 8 points
19 Rahel Frey (Audi) 6 points
20 Joey Hand (BMW) 2 points

DTM manufacturers’ standings
1 Audi 327 points
2 Mercedes-Benz 296 points
3 BMW 286 points

DTM team standings
1 THOMAS SABO/Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG 151 points
2 BMW Team Schnitzer 143 points
3 Mercedes AMG 117 points
4 Audi Sport Team Rosberg 100 points
5 Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline 100 points
6 Audi Sport Team Phoenix 93 points
7 BMW Team RBM 72 points
8 BMW Team RMG 71 points
9 Audi Sport Team Abt 34 points
10 DHL Paket/stern Mercedes AMG 28 points

Audi DTM statistics

Champion’s titles: 8 (in 15 years)
Victories: 63 (in 203 races)
Pole positions: 67 (in 168 qualifying sessions)
Fastest laps: 54 (in 203 races)

All Hockenheim winners (finale)

2000 Uwe Alzen (Opel)/Uwe Alzen (Opel)
2001 Bernd Mayländer (Mercedes-Benz)
2002 Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz)
2003 Jean Alesi (Mercedes-Benz)
2004 Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz)
2005 Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz)
2006 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz)
2007 Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz)
2008 Timo Scheider (Audi)
2009 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)
2010 Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz)
2011 Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz)

2011 flashback: Six Audi drivers in the points

After the early win of the drivers’ championship, Audi secured the position of the runner-up in the championship and won the team classification as well on the Audi A4’s last run. With Martin Tomczyk, Miguel Molina, Mike Rockenfeller, Mattias Ekström, Timo Scheider and Oliver Jarvis in positions two to four and six to eight, six Audi racers scored points. For Miguel Molina, this marked the first podium in his still young DTM career. The decision was made right at the start, which Mercedes driver Jamie Green decided in his favor and then went on to drive a lonely race at the front of the field. The race of the two Audi drivers Martin Tomczyk and Miguel Molina that ended in positions two and three was similarly solid.

Track info

Track length: 4.574 km
Race distance: 42 laps = 192.108 km
DTM qualifying record on this track: Mattias Ekström (Audi), Oct 25, 08, 1m 32.244s = 178.509 km/h
DTM race record on this track: Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz), Oct 26, 08, 1m 33.576s = 175.968 km/h
Pole position, season opener 2012: Mattias Ekström (Audi), Apr 28,12, 1m 34.680s (173.900 km/h)
Fastest lap, season opener 2012: Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz), Apr 29, 12, 1m 34.901s (173.511 km/h)
Turnout 2011: 120,000
TV live rating 2011: 1.26 million / 9.3 % market share (source: ARD)

Mattias Ekström about the Hockenheimring: "The mix of turns makes the track particularly interesting. There are some very slow corners, such as turn 2 or the hairpin, as well as some very quick bends such as turn 1 or the entrance to the Motodrom. Ever since the track was modified ten years ago I’ve been particularly fond of the layout. In the Parabolica turn that was introduced back then, you can perfectly prepare for overtaking maneuvers. In the past, we used to measure the gaps at Hockenheim in terms of half-seconds. This was reduced to tenths over the years. And with the new vehicle generation as of 2012 we’ve got to start searching in the range of hundredths to recognize the differences. The atmosphere at Hockenheim is particularly nice. A large crowd flocks to the venue for the finale year after year."

Timetable 

Friday, October 19
09:45-10:15 Roll-out
10:15-10:20 Starting practice
13:40-15:30 Free practice 1
15:30-15:35 Starting practice

Saturday, October 20
09:00-10:50 Free practice 2
13:40-14:50 Qualifying

Sunday, October 21
10:20-10:50 Warm-up
14:00 Race

TV schedule ("Das Erste" live)

Saturday, October 20
13:25-15:00 Qualifying

Sunday, October 21
13:45-15:45 Race

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Audi takes lead in the DTM manufacturers’ championship

Audi Press Release

• Best brand before the finale at Hockenheim
• Impressive Audi team performance at Valencia
• First podium for Adrien Tambay, first points for Rahel Frey

Ingolstadt/Valencia, September 30, 2012 – The aim has been achieved: In the Spanish DTM round at Valencia, Audi took the lead in the manufacturers’ championship with an impressive team performance and is now traveling to the grand finale at the Hockenheimring (October 21/live on “Das Erste”) with a 31-point advantage.

In front of 24,000 spectators (throughout the weekend) the Audi drivers were among the protagonists of a turbulent race held at significantly higher temperatures than those prevailing on the two days of practice and qualifying. At times, all eight Audi A5 DTM cars were running in the points. In the end, Audi with positions two, three, four, five and seven, scored 61 points for the manufacturers’ championship and is now heading the standings with 327 in front of Mercedes-Benz (296) and BMW (286).

In the end, the youngest member of the Audi squad was the best driver of an Audi A5 DTM: Adrien Tambay, the merely 21-year-old son of former Formula One driver Patrick Tambay, in the Audi ultra A5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline drove a flawless race which he finished as the runner-up behind the winner, Augusto Farfus. “I’m totally bushed but overjoyed,” said the Frenchman after his first podium finish in the DTM. “This is the greatest moment in my career so far. I gave everything and was rewarded with second place – unbelievable! It was a brilliant overall result for Audi today and my team performed fantastic pit stops. I want to thank everyone for this!”

With Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi A5 DTM), two drivers from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline mounted the podium. The Swede, also thanks to a good strategy by his team, managed to improve from position eight on the grid to third place and, after his two victories in 2010 and 2011, was on podium for the third consecutive time at Valencia.

Positions four and five went to Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A5 DTM/Audi Sport Team Rosberg) and Mike Rockenfeller (Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM/Audi Sport Team Phoenix). Albuquerque lost valuable time when a hose got caught in the wheelhouse of his car during the first pit stop.

A small sensation was caused by Rahel Frey (E-POSTBRIEF Audi A5 DTM). The Swiss advanced into the points at an early stage of the race, subsequently drove BMW driver Dirk Werner into making a mistake and in a spectacular duel even prevailed over the multiple World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx. Taking seventh place, she was the first woman to score points in a DTM car of the new generation. At the same time, her result meant that all eight Audi drivers have finished in the points this year.

The driver who suffered major misfortune in the race was Edoardo Mortara. The Italian from Audi Sport Team Rosberg was running in second place from the outset but was forced to park his Playboy Audi A5 DTM eight laps before the end of the race because he was no longer able to shift. Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi A5 DTM/power transmission) and Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A5 DTM/brakes) retired while running in promising positions.

“We’ve achieved the aim we set for this weekend and taken the lead in the manufacturers’ championship,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich in summing up the results. “We were very strong here at Valencia on the whole and at times had all eight cars running in the points. It’s a shame that Edo (Mortara), Timo (Scheider) and Miguel (Molina) retired. I’m particularly happy for Adrien (Tambay), who clinched a podium right in his first DTM season, and for Rahel (Frey), who scored her first points in an impressive battle.”

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DTM: Audi with strong team performance

Audi Press Release

• Four Audi A5 DTM cars in top five in qualifying at Valencia
• Edoardo Mortara on front row
• Youngster Adrien Tambay in Q4 for the first time

Ingolstadt/Valencia, September 29, 2012 – In qualifying for the penultimate DTM race of the season, Audi showed a strong team performance at Valencia, Spain. Four Audi drivers managed the leap into the top five, seven into the top ten. And Rahel Frey caused a sensation as well.

Last year, Audi managed to score a six-fold success at Valencia. And this year, the brand with the four rings is presenting itself well-prepared on the Spanish race track. With grid positions two, three, four and five plus a total of seven vehicles on the five front rows of the grid, Audi has an outstanding starting base for the race on Sunday (starting at 13:45 – local time — live on “Das Erste”).

The quickest Audi driver in qualifying was Edoardo Mortara, who set the second-fastest time in the Playboy Audi A5 DTM. His team-mate Filipe Albuquerque in the TV Movie Audi A5 DTM completed the strong showing by Audi Sport Team Rosberg. Only BMW driver Augusto Farfus was quicker than the Rosberg duo.

“Grid positions two and three are a good result for Filipe (Albuquerque) and me,” said Edoardo Mortara. “Augusto (Farfus) was a bit quicker today. But I’m very optimistic for tomorrow. I believe that in our A5 DTM we’ve got a superb car for the race.”

Adrien Tambay, the Frenchman who is only 21 years old, achieved his best qualifying result in the DTM so far. For the first time, the youngster from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline in the Audi ultra A5 DTM qualified for the shoot-out for the top four grid positions and will be starting into the race from position four on Sunday.

Grid position five was secured by Mike Rockenfeller in the Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Phoenix. The two former DTM Champions Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi A5 DTM) and Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi A5 DTM) are sharing the fourth row of the grid. The top ten are completed by the Spanish local hero Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A5 DTM).

Rahel Frey caused a sensation as well. The Swiss in the E-POSTBRIEF Audi A5 DTM managed the leap into Q2 for the first time and will start into the penultimate race of the season from position 15, which even puts her in front of Gary Paffett on the grid.

“We’ve got four cars on the five front grid positions and seven in the top ten – that’s a great team performance, particularly with a view toward the battle in the manufacturers’ championship,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich after the qualifying session in Valencia. “Especially in the DTM, this is something very special and not the kind of thing you expect. It shows that on the whole we’re in a strong position. Of course we want to advance by another position tomorrow.”

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Audi A5 DTM vs. BMW M3 DTM

By Tarek Ramchani

During July the German DTM series had a non championship event at Munich Olympic Stadium. There were no points to fight for at the event, but everybody was cool and relaxed in these Race of Champions style shoutouts. Here is an interesting photo featuring two of the three elite German brands of the series: Audi with the A5 DTM of Rahel Frey (above) and BMW with the M3 DTM of Dirk Werner (below). The two cars were close to each other, ready to go for a duel battle on the temporary track. The photo clearly shows how DTM cars are highly sophisticated and among the best in world of motorsport in terms of aerodynamics.

Photo credit: C-R-Munich at deviantart

Audi A5 DTM R17 on Facebook

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Audi without racing luck at Oschersleben

Audi Press Release

• Audi without racing luck at Oschersleben
• Mike Rockenfeller as best Audi driver in sixth place
• Four Audi A5 DTM cars in the points

Ingolstadt/Oschersleben, September 16, 2012 – Following the commanding one-two-three victory at Zandvoort Audi, after suffering major misfortune on the starting lap, occupied positions six, eight, nine and ten in the DTM race at the Motorsport Arena at Oschersleben.

In front of 71,000 spectators (throughout the weekend) Mike Rockenfeller in the Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Phoenix in position six was the best-placed Audi driver. “I had a clean start but had to make way by sharply pulling to the left because Mattias (Ekström) had stopped in front of me. As a result, Augusto (Farfus) overtook me. Afterwards, the race was without any major highlights for me. I was not able to drive any faster than the cars in front of me and only tried to take the car home.”

Mattias Ekström in his Red Bull Audi A5 DTM stopped at the start, dropping from fifth to 19th place. Subsequently, the Swede from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline was the quickest driver in the field some of the time, made up one position after the other and advanced into the points again. In the end, Ekström took eighth place.

Filipe Albuquerque in the TV Movie Audi A5 DTM in ninth place scored two points for Audi Sport Team Rosberg. His team-mate Edoardo Mortara on the other hand experienced a major disappointment. The two-time season winner braked a little too late into turn one and subsequently collided with Ralf Schumacher. In the incident, the front of his car was so heavily damaged that Mortara had to park his Playboy Audi A5 DTM after only six laps.

Timo Scheider, who had celebrated his first victory in a DTM race at Oschersleben in 2008, scored one point for tenth place. The two-time DTM Champion recovered from position 15 on the grid despite having lost valuable time at the second pit stop.

Miguel Molina’s car was hit in the rear by a rival at the start and was forced to drive his Red Bull Audi A5 DTM through the gravel trap in turn one. In the process, the Spaniard suffered a puncture. Molina finished with a one-lap gap in 15th place.

For Adrien Tambay, the race was practically over as early, as at the start as the generator had to be exchanged on his Audi ultra A5 DTM. The Frenchman resumed the race with a two-lap gap but again had problems with a drop in voltage shortly before the race ended. Tambay was classified in 16th place.

Rahel Frey’s E-POSTBRIEF Audi A5 DTM was damaged in the area of the front end during the turbulent starting phase. No longer being able to steer the car, the Swiss parked her vehicle off track on lap seven for safety reasons.

“Unfortunately, we lost any chance for a better result as early as at the start today,” Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich said after the race. “Afterwards, Mattias (Ekström) showed in his recovery what would have theoretically been possible. But it’s also a fact that on the whole we weren’t quick enough here at Oschersleben. We’re going to continue to work hard and do everything within our means to show a strong performance again in the last two races at Valencia and Hockenheim. The title in the manufacturers’ championship is still possible and victories are our aim.”

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Last year’s winner Ekström is best Audi driver

Audi Press Release

• Narrow margins in DTM qualifying at Oschersleben
• Mattias Ekström as quickest Audi driver on grid position five
• Four Audi A5 DTM cars on the four front rows of the grid

Ingolstadt/Oschersleben, September 15, 2012 – Last year’s winner Mattias Ekström will start from position five on the grid into the DTM race at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben near Magdeburg on Sunday (from 13:45 live on “Das Erste”). Four Audi A5 DTM cars in total are on the four front rows of the grid.

Ekström missed the shoot-out for the top four grid positions in his Red Bull Audi A5 DTM by merely 98 thousandths of a second. “Qualifying was pretty tough,” said the Swede from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline. “Of course not having made it into Q4 is a bit disappointing. But more was not possible today. In the race, I’m determined to give everything and to fight like a lion to advance.”

On row three alongside Ekström on Sunday will be Zandvoort winner Edoardo Mortara (Playboy Audi A5 DTM/Audi Sport Team Rosberg). The fourth row of the grid with Mike Rockenfeller (Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM) and Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A5 DTM) belongs to the two racers from Audi Sport Team Phoenix.

Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A5 DTM) and Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi A5 DTM) will be starting into the 51-lap race from positions 14 and 15. Adrien Tambay (Audi ultra A5 DTM) and Rahel Frey (E-POSTBRIEF Audi A5 DTM) are sharing the ninth row.

“At Zandvoort, we had five cars on the top five grid positions, here we’ve got the best one on grid position five – this shows yet again how close and varied the competition is in the DTM,” commented Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “The time gaps in qualifying were extremely small. We weren’t lacking a lot but in the DTM simply everything has got to fit if you want to be at the very front. But qualifying and the race are two different things. Tomorrow, we’ll do everything within our means to move forward. After all, we’ve got four cars in the top ten.”

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DTM: Audi with tailwind to the next race

Audi Press Release

• DTM visits Motorsport Arena Oschersleben
• Sights are set on first place in the manufacturers’ championship
• Five Audi victories on this track in the past eight years

The DTM remains a thriller. By achieving the one-two-three triumph at Zandvoort at the end of August defending champion Audi has made up 49 points in a single race and is now just five points behind Mercedes-Benz in the manufacturers’ standings. In the drivers’ standings, as well, nothing is impossible. With a victory at at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben (September 14 to 16), Audi racer Edoardo Mortara (Audi Sport Team Rosberg), in the best case, could narrow the gap to leader of the standings Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) to nine points.

Since its return with a manufacturer’s commitment in the 2004 season Audi has won five of the eight DTM races at Oschersleben. Last year, the brand clinched a one-two-three result with a record advantage. Mattias Ekström put a proud distance of 42.167 seconds between himself and his immediate rivals – a result that had never before been seen in the DTM since its re-launch in 2000.

Most of the Audi drivers are looking forward to the East-German circuit with similarly eager anticipation as they most recently did to the dune circuit at Zandvoort, as every one of them associates a special highlight with Oschersleben. For Mattias Ekström, it was last year’s record victory; for Timo Scheider, his first victory at a DTM race; for Mike Rockenfeller, his first podium in the DTM; for Miguel Molina, his first pole position; for Rahel Frey, her best DTM result to date – and Edoardo Mortara (third last year), Filipe Albuquerque and Adrien Tambay like the track at Oschersleben as well.

Overtaking on the 3.969-kilometer track is deemed to be extremely difficult. That is why qualifying on Saturday (starting at 13:30 – local time – live on “Das Erste”) may produce a preliminary decision. And particularly there Audi was extremely strong in the last two races. At the Nürburgring, three A5 DTM cars were on the two front rows and at Zandvoort, Audi even took the top five spots on the grid.

Advance ticket sales are promising a record turnout. Those not traveling to Oschersleben can watch the race live on “Das Erste” as usual. On race Sunday, ARD will be airing live coverage from Oschersleben starting at 13:45 (local time).

Quotes by the officials

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “With the one-two-three victory at Zandvoort we made a considerable leap forward in the standings and in the manufacturers’ classification we are now just five points behind Mercedes-Benz and clearly in front of BMW. If we manage a similarly strong team performance as we last did at the Nürburgring and at Zandvoort we might even become the front runner at Oschersleben.”

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “We’ve won Oschersleben as many as five times and will leave no stone unturned to clinch another victory there for Audi. We’re looking forward to the race in front of a fantastic crowd and many enthusiastic fans.”

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “The good results from the Nürburgring and Zandvoort are giving all of us tailwind. We can achieve a lot with that. Oschersleben has always suited us and Audi.”

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): “We’re looking forward to Oschersleben. We’ve recently been scoring a lot of points while our competitors weren’t quite as successful. As a result, we’ve made up some ground in the championship. It would be fantastic if the whole Audi team could take this momentum along to Oschersleben.”

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

Filipe Albuquerque (27/P), TV Movie Audi A5 DTM #22 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
- Most recently, managed the leap into Q4 two consecutive times
- Was pushed off the track at Oschersleben in 2011 by Ralf Schumacher
“Oschersleben is a track I really like. I’ve always felt at home there. The speed is right. Team Rosberg is doing a fantastic job. And I know by now how to make it into Q4. I’m convinced that it’s just a question of time until I’m on podium – so why not at Oschersleben?”

Mattias Ekström (34/S), Red Bull Audi A5 DTM #3 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
- Won at Oschersleben in 2011 with a record advantage
- Triumphed this year at the DTM show event in Munich
“I like Oschersleben and have particularly fond memories of last year. My aim is for this weekend to go equally well. We’ve got to improve some more but I’m convinced that we’re heading in the right direction. I’m hoping for us to find an optimal set-up for Saturday and Sunday to put us in contention for victory.”

Rahel Frey (26/CH), E-POSTBRIEF Audi A5 DTM #17 (Audi Sport Team Abt)
- In twelfth place, clinched her best DTM result to date at Oschersleben in 2011
- Set the second-fastest lap at the Nürburgring this year
“I’m looking forward to Oschersleben: a new race track, a new challenge, a new opportunity. At Zandvoort, things didn’t go so well for me, so there’s quite a bit for me to make up for.”

Miguel Molina (23/E), Red Bull Audi A5 DTM #10 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
- In 2011, started from the pole position at Oschersleben
- Was on the podium at the 2011 Hockenheim finale
“Oschersleben is a special place for me. Last year, I managed to clinch my first pole position there in the DTM. This gives me a confident feeling. Also, it’s time to finally show something again. I believe that we can have a good weekend at Oschersleben.”

Edoardo Mortara (25/I/F), Playboy Audi A5 DTM #21 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
- Completed the Audi one-two-three result at Oschersleben in 2011
- Won as many as two DTM races this year
“Oschersleben has been a good track for me so far. In 2010, I won the Formula 3 title and in 2011 took my second DTM podium there. So I’ve got fond memories. After the Nürburgring and Zandvoort, we’re optimistic and hoping to be able to achieve another top result.”

Mike Rockenfeller (28/D), Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM #9 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
- In 2007, in just his second DTM race, took third place at Oschersleben
- In 2012, has started from the three front rows of the grid as many as five times
“Oschersleben is a track I really like. In my first DTM year, I immediately had a solid success with my first podium and a great race. As a matter of fact, I’ve always enjoyed driving there. I’m hoping that our A5 DTM will be quick, that we’ll have a good set-up – and if I could win the race in the end that would be ideal.”

Timo Scheider (33/D), AUTO TEST Audi A5 DTM #4 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
- In 2008, celebrated his first victory in a DTM race at Oschersleben
- Took his tenth DTM pole position in total at Zandvoort
“After the strong upward trend and the pole position at Zandvoort, I’m taking all my motivation and positive feelings with me to Oschersleben. I’ve still got fond memories of my first DTM victory. I’ve always felt comfortable there and found my rhythm right from the first lap on. I’m hoping that this will again be the case this year and that I’ll be able to show a similar performance as I did at Zandvoort – but this time with a good race result.”

Adrien Tambay (F/21), Audi ultra A5 DTM #18 (Audi Sport Team Abt) 
- In fifth place, scored his first DTM points at Zandvoort
- Made it all the way into Q3 at Zandvoort
“After scoring my first points at Zandvoort, a load has come off my chest. Now I may be able to tackle the race weekends in a slightly different way. I’m going to try and advance a bit further in qualifying in order to benefit from this in the race. I’m looking forward to the track because I’ve got fond memories of it.”

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Audi one-two-three victory at Zandvoort

Audi Press Release

• Second victory of the season for the new Audi A5 DTM
• Edoardo Mortara wins ahead of Mike Rockenfeller and Mattias Ekström
• First points for DTM youngster Adrien Tambay

Ingolstadt/Zandvoort, August 26, 2012 – Audi is the first manufacturer to have achieved a one-two-three victory in the 2012 DTM. At Zandvoort (The Netherlands) Edoardo Mortara (Playboy Audi A5 DTM) triumphed in front of his two brand colleagues Mike Rockenfeller (Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM) and Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi A5 DTM). With that, a driver from all three Audi teams was on the podium.

39,000 spectators (throughout the weekend) watched a spectacular DTM race in extremely difficult conditions. Rain showers from the nearby North Sea repeatedly moved across the race track that was never wet enough, though, to switch to rain tires. “In such crazy conditions, you can fly off the track in any corner,” said Edoardo Mortara, who celebrated his second victory of the season and reduced the gap to leader of the standings Gary Paffett to 35 points. “It would be raining some of the time and then again it wouldn’t. I’m very happy. I want to thank everyone at Audi Sport and Audi Sport Team Rosberg for the superb work. It was a fantastic race!”

In a fierce duel, Edoardo Mortara prevailed against Mike Rockenfeller (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) who had taken the lead at the start and commandingly controlled the race for a long time. However, when rain set in again, Mortara managed to close the gap to his brand colleague and overtook him on lap 32 in the famous “Tarzan Bocht.” “I didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks,” commented Rockenfeller. “When it starts to rain it’s easier when you’re the car that follows – ‘Edo’ took advantage of this.”

Mattias Ekström (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline) perfected Audi’s one-two-three result. The Swede was fighting a nail-biting duel across several laps with leader of the standings Gary Paffett which he decided in his favor, also thanks to a good strategy and quick pit stops by his team.

Adrien Tambay (Audi ultra A5 DTM) scored his first points in the DTM. The 21-year-old youngster shone by taking fifth place in difficult conditions and even held up to the pressure from the two-time season winner Bruno Spengler, who had also been the runner-up in the standings up to now.

Filipe Albuquerque was classified in 15th place although he was forced to park his TV Movie Audi A5 DTM in the pits after 34 laps. The Portuguese had to drive through the gravel trap of the “Tarzan Bocht” when Martin Tomczyk and Gary Paffett collided directly in front of him. In the incident, the front splitter of his A5 was damaged.

The quickest in qualifying, Timo Scheider, experienced a pitch-black day. At the start, the two-time DTM Champion dropped from first to 14th place and in a collision with David Coulthard damaged the front of his AUTO TEST Audi A5 DTM.

Right on the starting lap, the race was over for Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A5 DTM) and Rahel Frey (E-POSTBRIEF Audi A5 DTM). While heading for the first turn the Spaniard collided with Robert Wickens, who a few turns later proved to be Rahel Frey’s undoing too. The Swiss was unable to evade the Mercedes of the Canadian that was standing sideways on the track after a spin and was forced to retire.

Despite the four retirements it was a great day for Audi at Zandvoort – on a track on which the brand with the four rings has now clinched as much as its sixth victory since its return to the DTM in 2004. “It’s good to see that the performance is there,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Now we’re back in the position we always want to be in: in contention for victory. Here at Zandvoort, we were strong as a whole team. I’m happy for the guys who have been working hard to make this success possible.”

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1, 2, 3, 4, 5 - Audi A5!

Audi Press Release

• Audi takes top five grid positions for DTM race at Zandvoort
• Timo Scheider is back with pole position
• Audi A5 DTM on top spot of the grid for the third time

Ingolstadt/Zandvoort, August 25, 2012 – A great day for Audi at Zandvoort: The brand with the four rings dominated the qualifying session for the DTM’s visit to the Netherlands (Sunday live on “Das Erste” starting 13:45 local time) and secured the five best grid positions on the challenging track on the North Sea coast.

Five cars from a single brand on the top five grid positions – this has never happened before since the new DTM regulations were introduced. Audi managed this feat at Zandvoort. The Audi A5 DTM is thus the first new-generation DTM vehicle to have scored three pole positions.

“With three cars in the top four last weekend at the Nürburgring, we showed that we’ve made a significant step forward,” commented Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “We continued to work and reaped the fruits here in qualifying. Of course it’s fantastic to have five cars at the front. But the important thing is the race tomorrow: that’s when we want to look good. I’m particularly happy today for Timo (Scheider), who’s gone through some hard times and impressively came back today.”

The racer from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline, who experienced a difficult first half of the season, in his AUTO TEST Audi A5 DTM was the quickest driver as early as in the morning’s free practice and in the crucial shoot-out for the top four spots on the grid secured the pole position – marking as much as his fourth one at Zandvoort – with a 0.249-second advantage.

“It’s been a while – 21 long months – that I was at the very front in qualifying,” said Scheider. “Now I’ve clinched pole at Zandvoort for the fourth time. That’s a great feeling and a nice birthday gift for my father. Behind us are some hard months and races. There’ve been many discussions about what’s going wrong. At a certain point we managed to come together. This is a team result. The guys believed in me and did a fantastic job. This pole is the reward for all the hard work.”

All three Audi teams managed to make it into the fourth qualifying segment at Zandvoort. Last year’s winner Mike Rockenfeller in the Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM clinched grid position two for Audi Sport Team Phoenix. Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A5 DTM) and Edoardo Mortara (Playboy Audi A5 DTM) secured the second row of the grid for Audi Sport Team Rosberg.

The Audi quintet at the front was completed by Mattias Ekström in the Red Bull Audi A5 DTM in fifth place. With youngster Adrien Tambay (Audi ultra A5 DTM) on grid position ten, a sixth Audi racer made it into the top ten.

Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A5 DTM) and Rahel Frey (E-POSTBRIEF Audi A5 DTM) will start from positions 13 and 21 on Sunday after both had been able to do only a few laps in the morning’s free practice.

Audi has won the DTM race at Zandvoort since its DTM comeback with a manufacturer’s commitment in 2004 as many as five times and now took the top spot for as much as the sixth time. On race day, changeable weather conditions have been predicted for the Dutch North Sea Coast.

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Zandvoort premiere for the Audi A5 DTM

Audi Press Release

• DTM visit to the Dutch North Sea coast
• Five Audi victories in the past eight years
• Favorite track of many Audi drivers

Ingolstadt/Zandvoort, August 21, 2012 - Only one week after the "heat battle" at the Nürburgring the next DTM race is on the agenda. At Zandvoort, though, completely different conditions are awaiting the Audi racers. On the Dutch North Sea Coast, much cooler temperatures and changeable weather have been predicted for next weekend.

The circuit in the dunes of Zandvoort has been on the calendar of the most popular international touring car series since 2001 and is the favorite track of many Audi racers. The Audi A4 DTM always felt comfortable on the particularly challenging roller-coaster circuit as well, having scored five victories at eight events - the most recent one last year with Mike Rockenfeller at the wheel.

Now the Audi A5 DTM is celebrating its Zandvoort premiere. At the DTM’s first event after the summer break, at the Nürburgring, the coupé left a strong impression. The Audi Sport squad wants to continue this performance and is setting its sights on the second victory of the season.

As the Audi drivers with the best point scores Spielberg winner Edoardo Mortara (Audi Sport Team Rosberg) and last year’s winner Mike Rockenfeller (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) are traveling to Zandvoort, each with 49 points to their tally. Following just two points behind them is Mattias Ekström (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline), who decided the race on the North Sea Coast in his favor as many as three times in the past. Timo Scheider is considered a Zandvoort specialist too. The two-time DTM Champion started from the pole position there three times.

Two DTM races within the space of eight days mean that the teams have to work overtime. After the race at the Nürburgring, the cars were prepared right on location and subsequently taken directly to Zandvoort. The next round of the 2012 DTM will be started on Sunday at 14:00. ARD will broadcast live on "Das Erste" starting at 13:45, local time.

Quotes by the officials

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): "We’re traveling directly from the Nürburgring to Zandvoort. In the Eifel we saw that we made a step forward. Our next aim is to convert this into a victory. The track at Zandvoort has provided us with a number of good results before - we work to ensure that things will be going so well also this year."

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): "The break between the Nürburgring and Zandvoort is extremely short. Obviously, this puts an extreme strain on everyone. But we like Zandvoort and are hoping to regain our old strength there and to be in contention for victory."

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): "Zandvoort has always suited Team Phoenix well somehow. We’ve always clinched good results there. Audi, the drivers and the team love Zandvoort - these are optimum prerequisites for achieving a good result."

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): "After the strong results at the Nürburgring with positions two and three in qualifying and ‘Edo’s’ second place in the race we’re obviously highly motivated. We want to take this momentum to Zandvoort next weekend and are hoping to be able to continue these successes."

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

Filipe Albuquerque (27/P), TV Movie Audi A5 DTM #22 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
- Has scored points as many as five times this year
- Started from the second row last weekend
"Zandvoort is a nice track. I really like it and am fully motivated to rectify my starting mistake at the Nürburgring. My speed, though, was good there both in qualifying and in the race. I’m also gaining an increasingly better understanding of the Audi A5 DTM - and Audi Sport Team Rosberg is doing a superb job."

Mattias Ekström (34/S), Red Bull Audi A5 DTM #3 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
- In 2002, celebrated his first DTM victory at Zandvoort
- Has won the race race on the North Sea coast as many as three times before
"Zandvoort is one of my favorite tracks. I’ve driven many races there and have a lot of fond memories - for instance of my first DTM victory in 2002. After a few weekends on which we found ourselves struggling I’m hoping for a straightforward and solid race."

Rahel Frey (26/CH), E-POSTBRIEF Audi A5 DTM #17 (Audi Sport Team Abt)
- Drove the second-fastest lap at the Nürburgring last Sunday
- Missed Q2 at the Nürburgring by merely 18 thousandths
"Honestly speaking, I don’t have the fondest memories of Zandvoort because the race last year was difficult. But I’ll be taking the momentum from the Nürburgring to the North Sea and will try and continue that."

Miguel Molina (23/E), Red Bull Audi A5 DTM #10 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
- In 2010, started from the second row at Zandvoort
- Has scored points twice in the 2012 season
"Zandvoort is one of my favorite tracks. In 2010, I made it all the way into the final qualifying segment for the first time in my first DTM season. So I’ve got positive memories and am looking forward to the race. My car was very fast at the Nürburgring. The improvements are proving to be effective. I think Zandvoort can turn into a good weekend for us."

Edoardo Mortara (25/I/F), Playboy Audi A5 DTM #21 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
- In 2011, scored his first points in the DTM at Zandvoort
- For the first time, is arriving at a DTM race as the best Audi driver in the standings
"It’ll be interesting to run again at Zandvoort so shortly after the result at the Nürburgring - on the track I like best in the DTM. I think many drivers feels that way. The circuit has many quick corners and is a challenge. In the past, it suited Audi very well too. I’m hoping this will continue to be the case."

Mike Rockenfeller (28/D), Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM #9 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
- Celebrated his first DTM victory at Zandvoort last year
- Has the same point score in the standings as Edoardo Mortara
"Zandvoort is one of the nicest tracks - very, very fast. That suits me, I like that. Last year, I had a fantastic experience there with my first victory. If we’re in a good position again this time and the car runs well a similar success should be possible. But in the DTM you start every weekend from zero. You’ve got to fight for every thousandth - and that’s what I’m looking forward to."

Timo Scheider (33/D), AUTO TEST Audi A5 DTM #4 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
- Has started at Zandvoort from the pole position as many as three times
- Clinched the DTM title for Audi in 2008 and 2009
"Zandvoort has been my favorite track for years. I’ve already been on the pole position there three times but haven’t won a race yet. Maybe, of all times, everything will fit together in this strange year. I’m eager to see how the weather will develop. At the moment, the forecast isn’t so good, which could make for an especially thrilling race."

Adrien Tambay (F/21), Audi ultra A5 DTM #18 (Audi Sport Team Abt) 
- Has moved his residence to Austria
- Is contesting his first DTM season
"Zandvoort is a very challenging race track - both for the driver and the car. I last ran there at the Formula 3 Masters and am looking forward to returning to this track."

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Edoardo Mortara clinches podium for Audi

Audi Press Release

• Second place in front of 89,000 spectators at the Nürburgring
• Audi is strongest brand in the top ten
• Impressive race by Rahel Frey

Ingolstadt/Nürburg, 19 August 2012 - With a second place at the Nürburgring, Audi started into the second half of the DTM season. At the event, Edoardo Mortara and Mike Rockenfeller made up ground to the overall leader Gary Paffett and are now the best-placed Audi racers in the standings. With four A5 DTM cars in the points, Audi was the strongest brand in the top ten - and Rahel Frey the sensation of the race for many.

89,000 spectators (throughout the weekend) at the Nürburgring in dream weather made for a dream crowd. They saw a flawless drive by Edoardo Mortara (Audi Sport Team Rosberg), who in his Playboy Audi A5 DTM had started from position two and finished as the runner-up behind Bruno Spengler. "It was a hard race in this great heat," said the Italian. "Bruno (Spengler) had two sets of new tires, I only had one. I gave everything but he was a bit quicker - not much but around a tenth of a second per lap. That was enough. It’s good to see that the work of the past few weeks and months is paying off. The improvements are notable."

Mike Rockenfeller in his Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM in conditions of 33 degrees in the shade and track temperatures of nearly 50 degrees took fifth place. After a good start, the racer from Audi Sport Team Phoenix was running in third place in the early phase but then dropped behind Martin Tomczyk and Jamie Green. After a correction of the tire pressure, he managed to keep leader of the standings Gary Paffett at bay in the final phase. With 49 points each, Mortara and Rockenfeller on positions five and six are now the Audi drivers in the overall classification.

Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A5 DTM) and Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi A5 DTM) finished in the points as well. At the start, Albuquerque dropped from third to tenth place but then recovered to eighth and scored points for as much as the fifth time this season. Scheider as the best driver of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline took ninth place.

For Mattias Ekström in the Red Bull Audi A5 DTM the race was disappointing. The Swede lost a lot of ground at the start, managed to make up several positions but in eleventh place barely missed a points finish.

An impressive race was driven by Rahel Frey in the E-POSTBRIEF Audi A5 DTM. During some of the phases, the young Swiss was the quickest driver in the field, drove the fastest lap of all Audi drivers and the second-fastest one of the race in total. In the last third of the race, she managed to close the gap to Ralf Schumacher, attacked the former Formula One driver but was no longer able to overtake him. After starting from position 17, Frey finished in 14th place - her best result of the season.

Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A5 DTM) was quick as well. After being "turned around" on lap two by Adrien Tambay and dropping to the last position, the Spaniard recovered to 15th place. As a result of the unfortunate collision Tambay had to park his A5 DTM early in the pits after 14 laps.

"It was a difficult and strenuous race for everyone," said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "We put four Audi cars into the top ten, that’s the best manufacturers’ result. We’d been hoping to be able to win the race. Edo (Mortara) drove a perfect race but more than that wasn’t possible. We had the disadvantage that he didn’t have new tires for the race like Bruno Spengler. That clearly makes a difference. But on the whole, you could see that we’ve made a step forward. With that, we now want to prepare for the next race."

The seventh round of the DTM season will be held as early as next weekend, on the Dutch North Sea Coast. Therefore, the teams are traveling directly from the Nürburgring to Zandvoort where Mike Rockenfeller celebrated his first DTM victory last year.

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Three Audi A5 DTM cars on the two front rows of the grid tomorrow

Audi Press Release

• Edoardo Mortara is quickest Audi driver at the Nürburgring
• 200th DTM race for Audi
• “Heat battle” and full stands

Edoardo Mortara, Playboy Audi A5 DTM #21 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg), Filipe Albuquerque, TV Movie Audi A5 DTM #22 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
Ingolstadt/Nürburg, August 18, 2012 – Audi has worked out a good starting base for the upcoming “heat battle” of the DTM at the Nürburgring. After a strong qualifying performance, three Audi A5 DTM cars will start from the two front rows on Sunday (live on “Das Erste” starting at 13:45 local time).

It is the 200th DTM race for the brand with the Four Rings and expected to be one of the hottest. After the thermometer showed over 30 degrees as early as in the battle for the best grid positions and track temperatures heated up to more than 45 degrees, the race on Sunday in front of completely filled stands is expected to become even hotter. “This will be an extremely tough race for everyone,” Audi Head of Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich is convinced. “But with three vehicles on the two front rows of the grid we’ve got a good starting base. The result also shows that the work of the past weeks and months is bearing fruit. All of our drivers are making very positive statements here about their cars.”

At the DTM’s first event after the summer break, Audi left a strong impressions right from the first practice session on Friday that was confirmed on Saturday. With 1m 23.950s, Mike Rockenfeller in the Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Phoenix that is based at the Nürburgring drove the fastest qualifying time in Q3. In Q4, though, the Le Mans winner made a mistake in the first sector that caused him to drop to fourth place. “Without that, pole would have been possible,” said “Rocky.” “The car was superb today.”

Edoardo Mortara (Playboy Audi A5 DTM) and Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A5 DTM) did not manage any perfect laps in the crucial last qualifying segment either but secured grid positions two and three for Audi Sport Team Rosberg nonetheless. “I’m happy to be on the front row but I made too many small mistakes in this qualifying session – including in Q4,” said Edoardo Mortara. “I’m sure that with a good lap we could have clinched the pole position today. But it’s still a great result for Audi Sport Team Rosberg. We were the best two Audi drivers today and are starting from positions two and three. This means we’ve got good chances in the race tomorrow.”

The quickest driver of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline was Timo Scheider, who at the wheel of the AUTO TEST Audi A5 DTM posted the tenth-best time. Mattias Ekström in the Red Bull Audi A5 DTM will be starting into the race alongside leader of the standings Gary Paffett from grid position twelve. Last year’s winner, who most recently took the pole position at the Nürburgring two consecutive times and is currently the Audi driver with the best points score in the overall standings, had to stop his fastest lap at the end of Q2 due to yellow flags.

Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A5 DTM) and Adrien Tambay (Audi ultra A5 DTM) took positions 13 and 16. Tambay lost valuable track time in the morning due to a defective generator.

A strong performance was shown by Rahel Frey (E-POSTBRIEF Audi A5 DTM). On the track on which she won a Formula 3 race in 2009 she barely missed making it into Q2 by 0.018 seconds. By taking grid position 17, the Swiss achieved her best qualifying result so far in the 2012 season.

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Video: Audi A5 DTM and Mattias Ekström are the 2012 stadium kings

By Johan Laubscher 

The annual DTM show event in the Munich Olympic stadium proved to be victorious for the Audi Sport Team ABT Sportsline team. A wet Sunday afternoon saw exciting racing which came down to a climatic final with Audi vs Mercedes. Below is the event review video from Audi TV, enjoy: 

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