DTM: Watch the DTM season finale at Hockenheim LIVE

Watch the DTM season finale LIVE from Hockenheim. Audi Sport teams and drivers dominated yesterday qualifying session with a storming 1-2-3. Miguel Molina will start from pole position ahead of Mattias Ekstrom and Edoardo Mortara.



Photo credit: Audi Media

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DTM: Strong Audi showing in DTM finale

Audi Press Release

• Three Audi RS 5 DTM cars in the best three grid positions
• Audi RS 7 to do a fast lap at Hockenheim – without a driver
• World premiere of the new Audi Sport TT Cup

Ingolstadt/Hockenheim, October 18, 2014 – Strong showing by the four rings in the DTM finale at Hockenheim (Sunday live on ‘Das Erste’ starting 13.30): Miguel Molina, Mattias Ekström and Edoardo Mortara secured the best three grid positions for Audi for the last race of the year. Six Audi RS 5 DTM cars in total made it into the top eight in qualifying. Before the race starts, a driverless Audi RS 7 and the new Audi TT cup will be making a grand appearance as well.

It was a qualifying session exactly to the liking of Dieter Gass, Head of DTM at Audi Sport: “Six Audi cars in Q3 and three in the top three positions of the grid: That was precisely the strong showing we needed here in qualifying. I can only tell the whole squad: well done! If we repeat this performance tomorrow in the race, then we’ll have very good chances of winning the manufacturers’ title. That’s clearly our aim.”

Miguel Molina in the Audi Sport Audi RS 5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline decided the battle for the best grid position in his favor. The Spaniard defeated his team-mate Mattias Ekström in the Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM by a razor-thin margin of 16 thousandths of a second. Edoardo Mortara in the Audi Sport Audi RS 5 DTM in third place completed the strong showing by the Bavarian squad.

“I’d like to thank Audi and my team who worked hard for this result. And this work has paid off,” said Miguel Molina, who secured the best grid position for the third time in his DTM career. “The pole position is fantastic and the whole result is great for Audi. The last races didn’t go so well for me, but now we’re at the very front again.”

Jamie Green in the Hoffmann Group Audi RS 5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Rosberg secured grid position five. The fourth row of the grid will be shared by the two drivers of Audi Sport Team Phoenix, Mike Rockenfeller (Schaeffler Audi RS 5 DTM) and Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi RS 5 DTM).

Adrien Tambay, who in his Playboy Audi RS 5 DTM had started from the pole position in the season opener at Hockenheim, in eleventh place missed the top eight by 0.130 seconds. Nico Müller (Audi Financial Services Audi RS 5 DTM/Startplatz 18) complained about lack of grip.

For Audi, this marked the third pole position of the year and the eighth of eleven possible ones in the season finale at Hockenheim since the brand’s return with a factory-backed commitment in 2004.

But Audi is not only set on thrilling the fans at Hockenheim with the RS 5 DTM. The brand with the four rings has developed the world’s sportiest piloted driving car. On Sunday before the start of the DTM race, the Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept will demonstrate its dynamic potential and driving skills with a fast lap on the Hockenheimring – without a driver.

Soccer star Bastian Schweiger, who plans to visit Audi on Sunday to keep his fingers crossed for the Audi drivers in the DTM finale, is among those who would not want to miss the lap of the RS 7 piloted driving concept (live streaming from 12.45 Uhr on www.audimedia.tv/de).

The new Audi TT cup that was unveiled on Friday will be doing its first public lap on a race track before the start of the DTM race as well. Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of Audi’s Management Board for Technical Development will be at the wheel.

The DTM finale starts at 14.00. ARD will air the last race of the season live from Hockenheim starting at 13.30.

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

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DTM: Miguel Molina third fastest in Hockenheim FP2

By Tarek Ramchani

Audi lead the first free practice session earlier today with Mattias Ekström . In the second sessions, Audi drivers performed well again.

Miguel Molina was best within the Audi squad ending in a fine third place. The Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver set a best time of 1:38.853. he was right behind two BMW drivers, leader Marco Wittmann and second placed Joey Hand.

The 2013 DTM champion Mike Rockenfeller was fourth fastest. The Audi Sport Team Phoenix set a best time of 3:25.958.

Three other Audi drivers made it into the Top 10. Adrien Tambay (Audi Sport Team Abt) was sixth. Nico Müller (Audi Sport Team Rosberg) was eighth. Mattias Ekström (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline) who lead FP1 was tenth.

The remaining three Audi drivers were further behind. Timo Scheider (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) was fifteenth. Jamie Green (Audi Sport Team Rosber) was twenty-first. The British driver went off track into the gravel trap in the closing stages of the 1-hour session. Edoardo Mortata (Audi Sport Team Abt) was twenty-second.

Second practice session results can be seen here.

The qualifying session will follow next. Audi drivers will fight for pole position in the last round of the 2014 season.

Photo credit: Audi Media

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DTM: Audi's Mattias Ekström leads Hockenheim FP1

By Tarek Ramchani

Perfect start for Audi at Hockenheim, the season finale of the 2014 DTM season. Audi driver Mattias Ekström lead the field in the 1-hour first practice session.

The double DTM champion set the fastest time in the session with a quick 1:34.136. The Audi Sport Team Abt Sportline driver was ahead of Mercedes-Benz's Daniel Juncadella and the newly crowned DTM champion, BMW's Marco Wittmann.

Four other Audi drivers made it into the Top 10. Timo Scheider (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) was fifth fastest. Adrien Tambay (Audi Sport Team Abt) was sixth. Miguel Molina (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportline) was seventh. Nico Müller (Audi Sport Team Rosberg) was tenth.

Unlucky session for the remaining three works Audi drivers. Mike Rockenfeller (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) was thirteenth. Edoardo Mortara (Audi Sport Team Abt) was fifteenth and Jamie Green (Audi Sport Team Rosberg) was twentieth.

First practice session results can be seen here.

The second practice session will follow next, at 11:15 local time.

Photo credit: Audi Media

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DTM: Audi drivers fired up for DTM finale

Audi Press Release

•     Victory in the manufacturers classification is joint aim at Hockenheim
•     Tailwind due to Mattias Ekström’s triumph at Zandvoort
•     Audi with the world’s sportiest piloted driving car

Ingolstadt, October 13, 2014 – For Audi, the season finale next weekend (October 17 to 19) at Hockenheim will be more than an ‘exhibition event’ before the winter break. Together, the eight Audi drivers are set on showing a strong team performance and bringing the title of the best manufacturer home to Ingolstadt. The race starts on Sunday at 14.00 (live on ARD). Before the race, the fans will be treated to a premiere, as Audi will be taking the world’s sportiest piloted driving car to the starting line.

21 is the magic number before the DTM season finale at Hockenheim to which Audi will be traveling as the hunter. These points must be recovered to capture the title of the best manufacturer in the DTM from BMW. The squad will also be assisted in this effort by the tailwind gained in the weekend before last at Zandvoort where Mike Rockenfeller on setting the fastest qualifying time and Mattias Ekström on clinching victory in the race again demonstrated the potential of the Audi RS 5 DTM. Audi had started the season from the top spot of the grid at the Hockenheim opening race in May and was represented on the podium with two drivers.

The new DTM will be holding its 32nd race at Hockenheim next weekend. The 4.574-kilometer track a little less than an hour’s drive south of Frankfurt has traditionally been on the calendar as the venue for the opener and finale of each season. The Motodrom with its large grandstands located directly alongside the track creates a stadium-like character and the resulting unique atmosphere. The current stage of advance ticket sales shows that the drivers can again look forward to an impressive finale with a large turnout of fans.

In a sporting sense, the tradition-steeped track with approximately 65 percent of full-throttle driving poses an exciting challenge. The long ‘Parabolika’ is one of the fastest sectors on the entire calendar on which the drivers reach a speed of up to 260 km/h. The subsequent hairpin turn offers an ideal overtaking opportunity and is also optimally suited for using the Drag Reduction System (DRS) that allows the drivers to flatten the rear wing angle by pushing a button on the steering wheel. In addition, there are some fast and semi-fast corners, plus the narrow ‘Motodrom’ in front of the start-finish straight – a technically demanding mix for which the engineers have to work out the perfect setup.

Hockenheim suits the Audi drivers well. Mattias Ekström, Jamie Green and Timo Scheider have won several races here. Since the DTM’s comeback in 2000, the current Audi drivers have mounted the very top of the podium an amazing five times, started from the pole position 13 times and clinched a total of 26 podium places. Heading the list is the two-time Champion Ekström who has won ten trophies at Hockenheim alone.

Before the race, Audi will be taking the world’s sportiest piloted driving car to the starting line. The driverless Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept* laps the circuit almost as fast as it would with a race driver at the wheel. The tests give reason to expect a lap time of a little more than two minutes. With this demonstration Audi will be showing the great potential of piloted driving which the premium manufacturer has in store for the future. The drive will be broadcast live and exclusively on the internet on Audi MediaTV on October 19 starting at 12.45 (www.audimedia.tv/en).

TV viewers can watch the DTM live. ‘Das Erste’ will be airing live coverage on Saturday at 14.30 and on Sunday starting at 13.30 directly from Hockenheim.

Quotes by the officials

Dieter Gass (Head of DTM): “The victory at Zandvoort has given us additional tailwind for attacking again at Hockenheim. The title of the best manufacturer is our aim – we’re going to jointly battle for it. The pole position clinched by Adrien (Tambay) in the season opener at Hockenheim showed that our RS 5 DTM works well on this track.”

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “Mattias’ (Ekström) victory was a great relief for all of us, as well as great motivation for the finale. It’s about the title of the best manufacturer, as well as the runner-up’s spot in the teams’ and drivers’ classifications. We’re determined to do our bit in this effort – preferably by clinching the next victory.”

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “The finale is the last opportunity for everybody to feature again. The first Audi victory has been clinched, so we’re going to hit the track with a load off our minds. In Timo (Scheider) and Mike (Rockenfeller) we’ve got two hot irons in the fire.”

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): “The finale is a highlight of the season for all of us and for our team it’s another home round as well. Despite many setbacks during the course of the year we remain fully motivated and are sticking to our aim of winning this race.”

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

Mattias Ekström (36/S), Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM #7 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
• Won his 18th DTM race at Zandvoort
• Is the runner-up in the championship standings
“It was a great feeling to wake up as the winner on the morning after Zandvoort. I’d like to enjoy this moment again after the finale at Hockenheim. In second place, I had a good start of the season in May. Now I’d like to finish another place further at the front.”

Jamie Green (32/GB), Hoffmann Group Audi RS 5 DTM #21 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
• Won the finale at Hockenheim in 2007 and 2011
• Is in his tenth DTM season
“The last race of the year is a special event for all of us with a unique atmosphere. I’ve won the finale twice before in my career. We’ve got a strong car and have got what it takes to win if everything perfectly fits together. As on any weekend, we’re going to give our best.”

Miguel Molina (25/E), Audi Sport Audi RS 5 DTM #8 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
• Drove his 50th DTM race at Zandvoort
• Is in second place of the team championship together with Mattias Ekström
“The season opener in May was positive for our team, and so was the past race weekend – that’s why we’re tackling the finale on a positive note as well. I promise: we’re going to work hard in order to score a lot of points for Audi.”

Edoardo Mortara (27/I), Audi Sport Audi RS 5 DTM #15 (Audi Sport Team Abt)
• Is battling for the runner-up’s spot in the championship at Hockenheim
• Has scored points in six rounds of the season so far
“The weekend at Zandvoort was turbulent and successful. That further stimulates our excitement about an impressive finale with a large crowd of fans.”

Nico Müller (22/CH), Audi Financial Services Audi RS 5 DTM #22 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
• Is in his first DTM season
• At age 22, is the youngest driver in Audi’s DTM line-up
“I’ve got special memories of Hockenheim because that’s where I contested my first DTM race in May. For me, it’s also a kind of home race which additionally pleases me. I’d like to continue the good qualifying performance from Zandvoort and convert it into a good race result at the end of the season.”

Mike Rockenfeller (30/D), Schaeffler Audi RS 5 DTM #1 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
• Set the fastest lap of all Audi drivers at Zandvoort
• Started from the pole position at Zandvoort
“Hockenheim marks the end of a season of which I obviously had completely different expectations. This doesn’t change my motivation in any way: I’d like to give everything again in the finale. I’ve long digested the frustration from Zandvoort where a victory would have been possible.”

Timo Scheider (35/D), AUTO TEST Audi RS 5 DTM #2 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
• Made the quickest pit stop of all Audi drivers at Zandvoort
• Has celebrated a DTM title twice in the finale at Hockenheim
“We all know: a good race, a good result or maybe even a victory makes life a lot more pleasant during the winter break. A podium position would already have been possible in the season opener. It shows us that our car is strong at Hockenheim. I’d like to show a strong weekend for Audi, for my team and for all the fans.”

Adrien Tambay (23/F), Playboy Audi RS 5 DTM #16 (Audi Sport Team Abt)
• Started from the pole position at Hockenheim in May
• Was on podium in the opening race
“With the pole position and third place in the first race this was a bit of a dream start of the season for me. Consequently, I’m particularly eager to return to Hockenheim now after a long and exciting season.”

The Audi drivers in the 2014 DTM

Mattias Ekström (S): * July 14, 1978 in Falun (S); residence: Salenstein (CH); single (partner Heidi), one son (Mats); one daughter (Hanna); height: 1.83 m; weight: 79 kg; Audi driver since 1999; DTM races: 143; pole positions: 19; victories: 18; fastest laps: 13; points: 764; DTM titles: 2 (2004, 2007); best result DTM Hockenheim: 1 (2007, 2008)

Jamie Green (GB): * June 14, 1982 in Leicester (GB); residence: Monaco (MC); married to Ginny, two sons (Zachary and William); height: 1.78 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2013; DTM races: 102; pole positions: 7; victories: 8; fastest laps: 13; points: 424.5; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Hockenheim: 1 (2007, 2011)

Miguel Molina (E): * February 17, 1989 in Barcelona (E); residence: Lloret de Mar (E); single; height: 1.75 m; weight: 64 kg; Audi driver since 2010; DTM races: 50; pole positions: 2; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 3; points: 81; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Hockenheim: 3

Edoardo Mortara (I): * Jan 12, 1987 in Geneva (CH); residence: Geneva (CH); married to Montserrat; height: 1.82 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 39; pole positions: 1; victories: 2; fastest laps: 0; points: 174; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Hockenheim: 6

Nico Müller (CH): * Feb 25, 1992 in Thun (CH); residence: Blumenstein (CH); single (partner Lara); height: 1.85 m; weight: 73 kg; Audi driver since 2014; DTM races: 9; pole positions: 0; victories: 0; fastest laps: 1; points: 10; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Hockenheim: 16

Mike Rockenfeller (D): * Oct 31, 1983 in Neuwied (D); residence: Landschlacht (CH); married to Susanne; one son (Phil); height: 1.75 m; weight: 68 kg; Audi driver since 2007; DTM races: 80; pole positions: 4; victories: 3; fastest laps: 4; points: 355; DTM titles: 1 (2013); best result DTM Hockenheim: 3

Timo Scheider (D): * Nov 10, 1978 in Lahnstein (D); residence: Lochau (A); single (partner Jessica), one son (Loris-Romeo); height: 1.78 m; weight: 72 kg; Audi driver since 2006; DTM races: 148; pole positions: 11; victories: 6; fastest laps: 10; points: 446; DTM titles: 2 (2008, 2009); best result DTM Hockenheim: 1 (2008)

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: 29; pole positions: 1; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 1; points: 94; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Hockenheim: 3

DTM drivers’ standings after nine of ten rounds

1 Marco Wittmann (BMW) 146 points
2 Mattias Ekström (Audi) 81 points
3 Christian Vietoris (Mercedes-Benz) 69 points
4 Edoardo Mortara (Audi) 68 points
5 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) 54 points
6 Maxime Martin (BMW) 47 points
7 Pascal Wehrlein (Mercedes-Benz) 46 points
8 Martin Tomczyk (BMW) 43 points
9 Bruno Spengler (BMW) 42 points
10 Robert Wickens (Mercedes-Benz) 41 points
11 Augusto Farfus (BMW) 39 points
12 Adrien Tambay (Audi) 36 points
13 Timo Scheider (Audi) 36 points
14 Timo Glock (BMW) 33 points
15 Miguel Molina (Audi) 28 points
16 Jamie Green (Audi) 28 points
17 Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz) 24 points
18 Daniel Juncadella (Mercedes-Benz) 22 points
19 Nico Müller (Audi) 10 points
20 Joey Hand (BMW) 8 points
21 António Félix da Costa (BMW) 4 points
22 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) 4 points

DTM manufacturers’ standings

1 BMW 362 points
2 Audi 341 points
3 Mercedes-Benz 206 points

DTM teams’ standings

1 BMW Team RMG 193 points
2 Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline 109 points
3 Audi Sport Team Abt 104 points
4 Original-Teile Mercedes AMG 93 points
5 Audi Sport Team Phoenix 90 points
6 BMW Team Schnitzer 85 points
7 BMW Team RBM 47 points
8 gooix Mercedes AMG 46 points
9 EURONICS/FREE MAN’S WORLD Mercedes AMG 45 points
10 Audi Sport Team Rosberg 38 points
11 BMW Team MTEK 37 points
12 Petronas AMG Mercedes 22 points

Audi statistics in the DTM (since 1990)

Champion’s titles: 9 (in 16 years)
Victories: 66 (in 217 races)
Pole positions: 73 (in 181 qualifying sessions)
Fastest laps: 62 (in 217 races)
Podium positions: 220 (in 217 races)

All Hockenheim winners since 2000 (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)
2012 Bruno Spengler (BMW)
2013 Timo Glock (BMW)

All Hockenheim winners since 2000 (opener)

2000 Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz), Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz)
2001 Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz)
2002 Laurent Aiello (Abt-Audi)
2003 Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz)
2004 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)
2005 Jean Alesi (Mercedes-Benz)
2006 Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz)
2007 Mattias Ekström (Audi)
2008 Mattias Ekström (Audi)
2009 Tom Kristensen (Audi)
2010 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)
2011 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz)
2012 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)
2013 Augusto Farfus (BMW)
2014 Marco Wittmann (BMW)

2013 flashback: team championship win for Audi Sport Team Phoenix

Following Mike Rockenfeller’s early title win, the fans saw an extremely thrilling finale that was held on a wet track and marked by duels, overtaking maneuvers and contacts. One of the protagonists was Mattias Ekström, who, after starting from grid position seven, drove an impressive race. The Swede was clearly headed for a podium finish and trailing the subsequent winner Timo Glock by just a few car lengths when he was sent spinning in the hairpin turn on the 28th of 41 laps. In fourth place, Ekström, after making a recovery, missed the podium by merely 1.245 seconds. Miguel Molina in fifth place secured Audi Sport Team Phoenix the crucial points in the battle for the teams’ classification at Hockenheim.

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, 2008, 1m 32.244s (178.509 km/h)
DTM race record on this track: Martin Tomczyk (BMW), May 04, 2014, 1m 32.532s (177.954 km/h)
Pole position season opener 2014: Adrien Tambay (Audi), May 03, 2014, 1m 32.272s
Fastest lap season opener 2014: Martin Tomczyk (BMW), May 04, 2014, 1m 32.532s (177.954 km/h)
Spectator turnout finale 2013: 122,000

Mike Rockenfeller about Hockenheim: “The finale at Hockenheim is sheer tradition and a very special race for us as drivers. You’re either in contention for the title, in which case it’s the ultimate battle in front of full grandstands, or you’ve got nothing to do with the championship anymore, in which case you’d at least like to finish the season with a great result. As we’re driving at Hockenheim in the season opener as well as testing there, everybody is optimally prepared for and adjusted to this circuit – and, as a result, the fight on track is really close. The stadium atmosphere is unique and the entrance to the Motodrom is also the nicest section of the track for me. I’ve got many memories of Hockenheim. My fondest one is the moment when I received my trophy in 2013 as the champion being showered by gold.”

Timetable (CEST)

Friday, October 17
16.45 – 17.20 Roll-out

Saturday, October 18
09.00 – 10.00 Free practice
11.15 – 12.15 Free practice
14.45 – 15.35 Qualifying

Sunday, October 19
09.00 – 09.40 Pit stop practice
12.55 – 13.05 Demo lap Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept
14.00 Race

TV schedule (‘Das Erste’ live)

Saturday, October 18
14.30 Qualifying

Sunday, October 19
13.30 Race

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

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DTM: Audi wins DTM thriller at Zandvoort

Audi Press Release  

• Mattias Ekström clinches first season victory for Audi
• Edoardo Mortara in fourth place after recovery
• Mike Rockenfeller and Nico Müller struck by misfortune

Ingolstadt/Zandvoort, September 28, 2014 – In what was arguably the most thrilling race of the year Mattias Ekström kept a cool head and gave Audi its first victory of the DTM season at Zandvoort. For the Swede, this marked an amazing fourth triumph at Zandvoort, for Audi, it was the seventh success in eleven runs on the challenging track in the Dutch dunes.

Ekström in the Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM started from position eight on standard tires and had the perfect strategy for the turbulent race that saw a total of four safety car periods. After changing to option tires, the Swede, within the space of just nine laps, managed to battle his way forward from position 15, overtake the BMW of Marco Wittmann, and ultimately cross the finish line as the commanding winner with an advantage of 7.414 seconds.

For Audi, this marked the 66th victory in total in a DTM race, for Ekström and Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline it was the first win since Valencia in October 2011. “A victory is always very special,” said Mattias Ekström. “But this victory is also a very special one because the last one was such a long time ago – for me, as well as for Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline. We had to wait for it for a long time, so now our joy of taking home the biggest trophy is even greater. We had a lot of misfortune in recent months. Today, we had the necessary fortune. It was important that I didn’t lose too much time in the beginning on standard tires. Afterwards, the safety cars played into our hands – and my car was very fast today.”

In fourth place, Edoardo Mortara in the Audi Sport Audi RS 5 DTM completed the successful day for Audi. The Italian had to tackle the race from the rear of the starting grid due to a violation of the rules in qualifying, recovered position by position in the beginning on option tires, and in the end successfully defended his position.

With Timo Scheider in the AUTO TEST Audi RS 5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Phoenix in tenth place, another Audi driver finished in the points. In contrast, his team-mate Mike Rockenfeller in the Schaeffler Audi RS 5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Phoenix was the tragic hero of the race. The quickest driver in qualifying was headed for victory for a long time, but deprived of all chances due to the safety cars, and in the end took only 16th place.

Youngster Nico Müller in the Audi Financial Services Audi RS 5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Rosberg was struck by major misfortune as well. Running in second place behind Rockenfeller some of the time, he was bumped off track on lap 26 by Mercedes driver Christian Vietoris. His team-mate Jamie Green in the Hoffmann Group Audi RS 5 DTM shortly before the end of the race lost possible points after being hit by BMW driver Bruno Spengler. Miguel Molina (Audi Sport Audi RS 5 DTM) and Adrien Tambay (Playboy Audi RS 5 DTM) were forced to retire after excursions.

“Obviously, we’re happy to have finally clinched our first season victory,” said Dieter Gass, Head of DTM at Audi Sport. “We often had the opportunity this year but something always got in the way. Today, we again had the jitters for a long time. But Mattias (Ekström) had the right strategy for this crazy race and in the end was extremely strong on option tires. The recovery by Edo Mortara from the last to fourth place was fantastic too, also because of the way he successfully defended himself on standard tires against the attacks by Vietoris. You could tell how comfortable the Audi RS 5 DTM feels at Zandvoort. The drivers who were struck by the greatest misfortune today were Nico Müller and Mike Rockenfeller. The second safety car was deployed at exactly the wrong moment for them. ‘Rocky’ would only have been hard to beat today.”

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

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DTM: Audi shines in qualifying at Zandvoort

Audi Press Release

•          Strong showing: four Audi RS 5 DTM cars in the top five
•          First pole position since the Hockenheim season opener
•          Grid position one for last year’s Champion Mike Rockenfeller

Ingolstadt/Zandvoort, September 27, 2014 – This is a very rare occurrence in the DTM: With four RS 5 DTM cars in the top five, Audi managed a brilliant performance in qualifying for the DTM race at Zandvoort (the Netherlands). Particularly remarkable was Mike Rockenfeller’s showing, who clinched the pole position in the Schaeffler Audi RS 5 DTM. 

A year ago, ‘Rocky’ won his first DTM title early at Zandvoort. This time, it was questionable whether the Audi driver would even be able to start at all, as the 2011 Zandvoort winner was bedridden for several days due to a gastrointestinal infection.

Not least thanks to the help from Audi Sport’s team doctors ‘Rocky’ was fit again at the right moment. In the thrilling battle for the best grid positions, he defeated BMW driver Marco Wittmann by 26 thousandths of a second. “We’ve always been strong Zandvoort,” said Rockenfeller. “We know that we’re good here and the track suits me. As always in the DTM, it was extremely close, but I prevailed today – that’s great. ‘Thank you’ to everybody at Audi and Team Phoenix, who worked on this. I’m on pole tomorrow, am set on taking the bull by the horns and winning the race. We’ve got to do our homework and see to making this work out. I need a good start for this to happen.” 

For Rockenfeller and Audi Sport Team Phoenix, this marks the first pole position since Moscow in 2013 and the first one for Audi since the season opener at Hockenheim, as well as the seventh one in the DTM race at Zandvoort in the past eleven years. 

Third place on the grid was secured by Edoardo Mortara in the Audi Sport Audi RS 5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline. The 2012 Zandvoort winner was merely 18 thousandths of a second slower than Marco Wittmann. The fourth-fastest time was achieved by his team-mate Mattias Ekström in the Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM, who, however, due to an unintentional obstruction of a competitor, received a grid penalty, which retroactively relegated him by five places to grid position nine. 

The Audi show in qualifying was completed by the two drivers of Audi Sport Team Rosberg. Jamie Green in the Hoffmann Group Audi RS 5 DTM took grid position four and Nico Müller in the Audi Financial Services Audi RS 5 DTM position five. The two team-mates are separated by eleven thousandths of a second. Müller had previously attracted attention by setting a best time in free practice. 

Miguel Molina (Audi Sport Audi RS 5 DTM), Adrien Tambay (Playboy Audi RS 5 DTM) and Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi RS 5 DTM) finished qualifying in positions ten, twelve and 16. 

“Zandvoort is one of the most challenging tracks in the DTM. Having four of our cars in the top five here makes us very proud,” commented Dieter Gass, Head of DTM at Audi Sport. “Particularly remarkable is the performance by Mike Rockenfeller, who was sick in bed for a few days and clinched pole anyhow. The new and the old Champion will be side by side on the front row tomorrow – that’ll be a thriller.”

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

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DTM: Eager anticipation of Audi drivers favorite track

Audi Press Release

•          DTM to visit Zandvoort on the North Sea coast this weekend
•          Many Audi drivers have special memories of the track
•          Dieter Gass, Head of DTM: “Manufacturers’ title remains our goal”

Ingolstadt, September 22, 2014 – The battle for the prestigious title of the best manufacturer is intensifying. Before the penultimate round of the DTM at Zandvoort next weekend (September 27 to 28) Audi and BMW are separated by only 18 points. The advantage for the four rings: There is no other track of which the Audi drivers have as many fond memories as of the circuit located on the North Sea Coast about an hour’s drive from Amsterdam.

Two championship titles, seven race victories, 15 podium places, seven pole positions and five fastest race laps: Even the statistics show how comfortable the eight Audi drivers feel on the circuit at Zandvoort. They are determined to take advantage of all these positive memories in order to clinch the manufacturers’ title for their brand. Two races before the end of the season Audi is trailing BMW by a very narrow margin in the manufacturers’ standings.

Zandvoort is inseparably linked to the career of Mattias Ekström. Almost exactly twelve years ago the Swede, on September 29, 2002, in his second DTM year, clinched his first victory there, which meant the title win for his team-mate Laurent Aiello – marking the first of seven driver championship wins for Audi in the new DTM. The most recent title was won at Zandvoort as well. In 2013, Mike Rockenfeller sealed the deal early by finishing the race as the runner-up. Two years before, the German had celebrated his first ever DTM victory in the Netherlands.

Four times on pole but no victory scored to date: Timo Scheider has a very special relationship with Zandvoort. Particularly the 2003 race day is remembered by many motorsport fans as one of the most tragic moments in the new DTM. After starting from the pole position, Scheider commandingly led the race. Victory for the German, who at the time was still racing for another brand, seemed to be certain but then his team bungled the pit stop and the car was released on three wheels. Even today, Scheider has goose bumps when he talks about the encouraging applause by the crowd, and even by the mechanics in the pits of other manufacturers, while he was walking back to his team.

The 4.307-kilometer circuit has been on the race calendar every year since 2001 and in this season replaces the round in China that was cancelled. Zandvoort is regarded as one of the most challenging circuits in terms of driving skills due to its characteristics featuring crests, fast corners and several overtaking opportunities. Fine sand from the dunes often makes the tarmac alongside the racing line extremely slippery.

TV viewers can watch the DTM live: ‘Das Erste’ will be airing live coverage from Zandvoort on Saturday starting at 14.30 and on Sunday starting at 13.15 (CEST). Tickets for the entire 2014 DTM season can be purchased online at www.audi-motorsport.com/dtm or telephonically on +49 841 89-47777.

Quotes by the officials

Dieter Gass (Head of DTM): “Zandvoort is a track that suited us really well in the past. We’re aiming to clinch the good team result we’d been wishing for at the Lausitzring and that certainly would have been possible following our good performance in qualifying. The title in the manufacturers’ classification remains our aim – that’s why bringing as many of our cars as possible into the points will be crucial.”

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “Our team and our drivers have many fond memories of Zandvoort. Mattias (Ekström) won at Zandvoort three times and clinched his first ever victory there as well. As a team we celebrated Laurent Aiello’s title in the championship at Zandvoort in 2002. The track suits us well and we’re going to do everything we can to attack in the manufacturers’ classification for Audi.”

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “Following a second and a third place in the past two races, the logical conclusion would be victory at Zandvoort. Both of our drivers love the track and our car is fast there – so all the prerequisites for winning the race exist.”

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): “Zandvoort is a really beautiful circuit and very demanding. We’re looking forward to it and will leave no stone unturned so that our squad and our drivers will experience success.”

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

Mattias Ekström (36/S), Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM #7 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
• Has won the race at Zandvoort three times before
• Won for the first time in the DTM at Zandvoort in 2002
“It’s no secret that Zandvoort is one of my absolutely favorite tracks. I’ve won there three times and always enjoy traveling there. Not just because of my previous success but also because the track is simply great fun. My aim: I’ll take the qualifying performance from the Lausitzring and the performance from the previous races and combine them into a perfect weekend.”

Jamie Green (32/GB), Hoffmann Group Audi RS 5 DTM #21 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
• Started from the second row at the Lausitzring
• Is contesting his tenth DTM race at Zandvoort
“Zandvoort is a really cool track. Not as modern as many others, but with a lot of character. The fast corners are a real challenge for any race driver. I’m looking forward to them. If the weekend goes smoothly then by all means a place on the podium or perhaps even my first victory for Audi will finally be possible.”

Miguel Molina (25/E), Audi Sport Audi RS 5 DTM #8 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
• Is contesting his 50th DTM race at Zandvoort
• Made the second-fastest pit stop of the Audi drivers at the Lausitzring
“A good race track for Audi on which we’ve always been in contention for victory so far. It’s an old-school circuit that all the drivers – including me – are looking forward to.”

Edoardo Mortara (27/I), Audi Sport Audi RS 5 DTM #15 (Audi Sport Team Abt)
• Won the race at Zandvoort in 2012
• Drove the second-fastest race lap of all Audi drivers at the Lausitzring
“The weekend at Lausitz was disappointing for me, so it’s perfect that we’re racing again in just two weeks from now – and at Zandvoort of all places where I’ve won before. We’ve still got two more chances of scoring points and victories this year – and we’re going to use them.”

Nico Müller (22/CH), Audi Financial Services Audi RS 5 DTM #22 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
• Is contesting his first car race at Zandvoort
• Is the youngest member of Audi’s driver squad
“The next new track for me this year: I’m looking forward to it because all of my driver colleagues have only positive things to say about Zandvoort. I’d like to finally finish in the points again. The speed has long been right, so being able to convert it into results again is only a question of time.”

Mike Rockenfeller (30/D), Schaeffler Audi RS 5 DTM #1 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
• Is driving his 80th DTM race at Zandvoort
• Secured his championship title early last year at Zandvoort
“My first DTM victory and my first title win last year: I’ve had many great moments at Zandvoort. It would be great if I could again achieve something special there this year. I really enjoy the track. Hopefully, we’re going to have good weather so that the fans in the dunes will have a nice weekend as well.”

Timo Scheider (35/D), AUTO TEST Audi RS 5 DTM #2 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
• Celebrated his first podium finish in the 2014 season at Lausitz
• Set the fastest race lap in the process and made the quickest pit stop
“I’ve got a very special relationship with Zandvoort. I’ve clinched the majority of the pole positions in my career there but, at the same time, have some major unfinished business there because victory was within reach. This year would be a good time to finish this business. We’re going to take the positive energy from the podium at the Lausitzring with us to the North Sea coast.”

Adrien Tambay (23/F), Playboy Audi RS 5 DTM #16 (Audi Sport Team Abt) 
• Is in his third year of racing in the DTM
• Is sharing second place in the teams’ standings with Edoardo Mortara
“A nice and fast track which suits both Audi and me equally well. So it’s the perfect place for striking back after a fair to middling weekend.”

The Audi drivers in the 2014 DTM

Mattias Ekström (S): * July 14, 1978 in Falun (S); residence: Salenstein (CH); single (partner Heidi), one son (Mats); one daughter (Hanna); height: 1.83 m; weight: 79 kg; Audi driver since 1999; DTM races: 142; pole positions: 19; victories: 17; fastest laps: 13; points: 739; DTM titles: 2 (2004, 2007); best result DTM Zandvoort: 1 (2002, 2004, 2008)

Jamie Green (GB): * June 14, 1982 in Leicester (GB); residence: Monaco (MC); married to Ginny, two sons (Zachary and William); height: 1.78 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2013; DTM races: 101; pole positions: 7; victories: 8; fastest laps: 13; points: 424.5; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Zandvoort: 4

Miguel Molina (E): * February 17, 1989 in Barcelona (E); residence: Lloret de Mar (E); single; height: 1.75 m; weight: 64 kg; Audi driver since 2010; DTM races: 49; pole positions: 2; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 3; points: 81; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Zandvoort: 5

Edoardo Mortara (I): * Jan 12, 1987 in Geneva (CH); residence: Geneva (CH); married to Montserrat; height: 1.82 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 38; pole positions: 1; victories: 2; fastest laps: 0; points: 162; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Zandvoort: 1 (2012)

Nico Müller (CH): * Feb 25, 1992 in Thun (CH); residence: Blumenstein (CH); single (partner Lara); height: 1.85 m; weight: 73 kg; Audi driver since 2014; DTM races: 8; pole positions: 0; victories: 0; fastest laps: 1; points: 10; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Zandvoort: –

Mike Rockenfeller (D): * Oct 31, 1983 in Neuwied (D); residence: Landschlacht (CH); married to Susanne; one son (Phil); height: 1.75 m; weight: 68 kg; Audi driver since 2007; DTM races: 79; pole positions: 3; victories: 3; fastest laps: 4; points: 355; DTM titles: 1 (2013); best result DTM Zandvoort: 1 (2011)

Timo Scheider (D): * Nov 10, 1978 in Lahnstein (D); residence: Lochau (A); single (partner Jessica), one son (Loris-Romeo); height: 1.78 m; weight: 72 kg; Audi driver since 2006; DTM races: 147; pole positions: 11; victories: 6; fastest laps: 10; points: 444; DTM titles: 2 (2008, 2009); best result DTM Zandvoort: 2

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: 28; pole positions: 1; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 1; points: 94; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Zandvoort: 5

DTM drivers’ standings after eight of ten rounds

1 Marco Wittmann (BMW) 128 points
2 Christian Vietoris (Mercedes-Benz) 59 points
3 Mattias Ekström (Audi) 56 points
4 Edoardo Mortara (Audi) 56 points
5 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) 54 points
6 Bruno Spengler (BMW) 42 points
7 Pascal Wehrlein (Mercedes-Benz) 40 points
8 Maxime Martin (BMW) 39 points
9 Augusto Farfus (BMW) 39 points
10 Robert Wickens (Mercedes-Benz) 37 points
11 Adrien Tambay (Audi) 36 points
12 Timo Scheider (Audi) 34 points
13 Timo Glock (BMW) 33 points
14 Miguel Molina (Audi) 28 points
15 Jamie Green (Audi) 28 points
16 Martin Tomczyk (BMW) 28 points
17 Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz) 24 points
18 Daniel Juncadella (Mercedes-Benz) 22 points
19 Nico Müller (Audi) 10 points
20 Joey Hand (BMW) 7 points
21 António Félix da Costa (BMW) 4 points
22 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) 4 points

DTM manufacturers’ standings

1 BMW 320 points
2 Audi 302 points
3 Mercedes-Benz 186 points

DTM teams’ standings

1 BMW Team RMG 167 points
2 Audi Sport Team Abt 92 points
3 Audi Sport Team Phoenix 88 points
4 Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline 84 points
5 Original-Teile Mercedes AMG 83 points
6 BMW Team Schnitzer 70 points
7 BMW Team RBM 46 points
8 EURONICS/FREE MAN’S WORLD Mercedes AMG 41 points
9 gooix Mercedes AMG 40 points
10 Audi Sport Team Rosberg 38 points
11 BMW Team MTEK 37 points
12 Petronas AMG Mercedes 22 points

Audi statistics in the DTM (since 1990)

Champion’s titles: 9 (in 16 years)
Victories: 65 (in 216 races)
Pole positions: 72 (in 180 qualifying sessions)
Fastest laps: 62 (in 216 races)
Podium positions: 219 (in 216 races)

All Zandvoort winners since 2001

2001 Uwe Alzen (Mercedes-Benz)
2002 Mattias Ekström (Abt-Audi)
2003 Christijan Albers (Mercedes-Benz)
2004 Mattias Ekström (Audi)
2005 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)
2006 Tom Kristensen (Audi)
2007 Martin Tomczyk (Audi)
2008 Mattias Ekström (Audi)
2009 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)
2010 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)
2011 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi)
2012 Edoardo Mortara (Audi)
2013 Augusto Farfus (BMW)

2013 flashback: early title win for Mike Rockenfeller 

The preliminary decision was made on the starting lap, on which Mike Rockenfeller overtook the BMW of pole setter Marco Wittmann, advancing to the second place he needed to secure an early title win. After being able to attack the leading BMW of his title rival Augusto Farfus on option tires he concentrated on bringing home second place after switching to the harder standard tires – also with help by his brand colleague Timo Scheider, who let Rockenfeller pass following his second pit stop and subsequently gave him rear cover.

Track info

Track length: 4.307 km
Race distance: 44 laps = 189.508 km
DTM qualifying record on this track: Marco Wittmann (BMW), Sep 28, 2013, 1m 30.894s
DTM race record on this track: Marco Wittmann (BMW), Sep 29, 2013, 1m 32.296s
Pole position 2013: Marco Wittmann (BMW), 1m 30.894s
Fastest lap 2013: Marco Wittmann (BMW), 1m 32.296s (167.994 km/h)
Turnout 2013: 41,000
TV live rating 2013: 0.92 million / 8.1 % market share (source: ARD)

Adrien Tambay about Zandvoort: “In the Audi RS 5 DTM, the track at Zandvoort is really good fun. I suppose everyone knows the Tarzan Corner at the end of the start-finish straight. It’s cool too. But my favorite section is the fast downhill double right-hander at the other end of the track. This section is extremely fast, very bumpy. You drive at the limit and have adrenaline surges. I like that! The old, long track must have been similar. I’ve seen onboard footage from my father – very impressive, but dangerous too ...”

Timetable (CEST)

Saturday, September 27
08.45 – 09.45 Free practice
11.05 – 12.05 Free practice
14.45 – 15.35 Qualifying

Sunday, September 28
09.00 – 09.30 Pit stop practice
13.30 Race

TV schedule (‘Das Erste’ live)

Saturday, September 27
14.30 Qualifying

Sunday, September 28
13.15 Race

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

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DTM: Double podium for Audi

Audi Press Release

• Positions two and three in DTM race at the Nürburgring
• Mike Rockenfeller and Edoardo Mortara on podium
• Four Audi RS 5 DTM cars retired after collisions

Ingolstadt/Nürburg, August 17, 2014 – A double podium for Audi in the DTM: At the Nürburgring, Mike Rockenfeller (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) and Edoardo Mortara (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline) in front of 80,000 spectators (throughout the weekend) clinched positions two and three.

The seventh DTM race of the year was decided right at the start. While Edoardo Mortara on the more slippery inside dropped from second to third place, Mike Rockenfeller was able to improve from third to second place behind the quickest in qualifying, Marco Wittmann. These positions remained unchanged up to the finish. 1.2 seconds behind Wittmann, ‘Rocky’ in the Schaeffler Audi RS 5 DTM crossed the finish line in second place, followed ten seconds later in third place by Edoardo Mortara in the Audi Sport Audi RS 5 DTM.

“I’m happy about second place,” said Mike Rockenfeller after having clinched his so far best result in his DTM home race. “‘Thank you’ to Team Phoenix and Audi. Marco Wittmann controlled the race. I only came a bit closer towards the end. Maybe I could have grabbed him if the race had lasted five laps longer. But you’ve also got to accept that he was simply stronger than we were this weekend.”

Rockenfeller and Mortara were the only two Audi drivers to convert their good grid positions into points at the Nürburgring. Adrien Tambay in his Playboy Audi RS 5 DTM dropped to 16th place in the starting commotion and in the end, in eleventh place, barely missed scoring a point. Jamie Green in the Hoffmann Group Audi RS 5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Rosberg advanced to fourth place after the start, but was subsequently relegated to position 15 after his Audi had been damaged in several incidents of body contact.

The other four Audi drivers had to park their Audi RS 5 DTM cars early following collisions. Mattias Ekström was hit by Timo Glock’s BMW right on the starting lap, with the rear suspension of his Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM being damaged in the incident. Miguel Molina suffered a puncture in a contact at the start and had to park his Audi Sport Audi RS 5 DTM after just four laps as well. Timo Scheider’s AUTO TEST Audi RS 5 DTM on lap seven was pushed into the Financial Services Audi RS 5 DTM of his brand colleague Nico Müller by Mercedes driver Robert Wickens. Both Audi drivers had to retire shortly afterwards.

“Having two drivers on podium in the DTM is basically a good result,” said Dieter Gass, Head of DTM at Audi Sport. “Congratulations to Mike (Rockenfeller) and Edo (Mortara). Obviously, it’s not satisfactory that only these two managed to make use of their good grid positions. There were a couple of scenes today we need to carefully look at again. Losing four out of eight cars due to collisions is painful.”

Despite his retirement, Mattias Ekström continues to rank in second place of the standings. Edoardo Mortara, with the same score, trails him in third place. In the manufacturers’ standings, the gaps practically remained unchanged at the Nürburgring. With 284 points and an 18-point gap Audi continues to have chances of winning the manufacturers’ title.

Following a three-week break, the next battle for points will take place at the Lausitzring on September 14.

Photo credit: Audi Media

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DTM: Audi drivers quotes after Nürburgring race (AUDIO)

Photo credit: Audi Media

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DTM: Watch DTM Round 7 LIVE from the Nürburgring

Watch DTM Round 7 LIVE from the Nürburgring. Five Audi RS 5 DTM cars will start from Top 6.

Photo credit: Audi Media

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