• Four Audi “factory” drivers to contest the race in Düsseldorf
• DTM racer Filipe Albuquerque will compete as title defender
• Audi R8 LMS is the most powerful competition vehicle

Audi will be represented at the 2011 Race of Champions at the ESPRIT arena in Düsseldorf on December 3 and 4, 2011 with its strongest line-up ever. As many as four Audi “factory” drivers will compete with Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel & company. In addition, the brand with the four rings is deploying the 525-HP Audi R8 LMS to the meeting of the world’s best race and rally drivers as the most powerful competition vehicle in the field. 

Filipe Albuquerque (Portugal), Mattias Ekström (Sweden), Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Timo Scheider (Germany) were invited to participate in the eagerly awaited meeting that attracted more than 64,000 spectators last year. Consequently Audi has good chances of providing the best of the best at the Race of Champions yet again. 
 
Three times the two-time DTM Champion Mattias Ekström has previously won the title at the Race of Champions. In 2006, at the finale in Paris, the Audi factory driver sensationally defeated local hero Sébastien Loeb, who has meanwhile become the eight-time World Rally Champion. Both in 2007 in London and in 2009 in Beijing, the Swede prevailed against Michael Schumacher. In 2010, Ekström was unable to run due to a conflicting commitment in the DTM finale at Shanghai (China). Yet last year it was again an Audi racer – at that time still employed by Audi Sport Italia –, the Portuguese Filipe Albuquerque, who prevailed against the world’s elite.
 
“The successes of our drivers at the Race of Champions show the high level of driving skills that exist at Audi,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “I think this was made obvious by our triumphs in the DTM and at the Le Mans 24 Hours as well.”
 
At the Race of Champions a select group of the world’s best race and rally drivers traditionally competes against each other in identical vehicles. The most powerful competition vehicle in 2011 is the Audi R8 LMS that already impressed the participants at last year’s event in Düsseldorf. With a track record of more than 110 victories in just three years, the mid-engine sports car from quattro GmbH has meanwhile become one of the world’s most successful GT3 vehicles. This year, among other events, the Audi R8 LMS won the 12-hour race at Bathurst (Australia) and the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) in which over 60 GT3 sports cars competed.
 
In Düsseldorf, the Audi R8 LMS will run on an about one-kilometer parallel track that is being specifically set up for the Race of Champions at the ESPRIT arena. Featuring a width of 7.5 meters, the circuit is the widest one in the history of the event that dates back all the way to 1988. 
 
Tom Kristensen, who with eight victories under his belt is the most successful Le Mans racer of all time, has been competing at the Race of Champions since 2001, and thus longer than any other entrant. “The Race of Champions is a fantastic event, that’s why I always enjoy returning to this race,” says the Audi factory driver. “The audience is enthusiastic and I look forward to competing again with Mattias (Ekström) in the ROC Nations Cup.”
 
In 2005, Ekström and Kristensen as “Team Scandinavia” won the Nations Cup on the eve of the single event. Most recently, Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel prevailed four consecutive times. Aiming to break the winning streak of “Team Germany” are not just Ekström and Kristensen but also the two-time DTM Champion Timo Scheider who together with Formula One racer Timo Glock is forming the “SAT.1 Team Germany 2.” “Obviously, Team Germany with two Formula One World Champions has the favorite’s role,” says the Audi factory driver. “But I’m sure that Timo (Glock) and I will not just have a lot of fun in Düsseldorf but will be competitive too.”
 
This also applies to title defender Filipe Albuquerque. The second-best newcomer of the 2011 DTM season, who achieved his first DTM podium at Valencia at the start of October, was the sensational winner of last year’s ROC in Düsseldorf. “I’m really looking forward to compete again in the Race of Champions and to defend my title,” explains the Portugese.
 
The comeback of Mattias Ekström, who will contest the Race of Champions again after a one-year break, is being awaited with particularly eager anticipation. “In 2010, it was pretty painful having to watch the action from a distance,” says the Swede who won three DTM races and the Spa 24 Hours this year – the latter at the wheel of an Audi R8 LMS by the way. “I’m very much looking forward to being part of it again this year.”

[Source: Audi-Motorsport]

• Last race for the top seller before the model change
• Martin Tomczyk travels to Hockenheim as new champion
• Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline battles for team title

43 pole positions, 31 fastest race laps, 34 victories and five champion’s titles – this is the impressive track record of the Audi A4 DTM since its debut in April 2004 at Hockenheim. The venue at which AUDI AG’s top seller contested its first DTM race will now also see the final grand appearance of this successful model. 

The DTM finale at the Hockenheimring from October 21 to 23 will mark the 84th and – for the time being – last racing commitment for the Audi A4 DTM in the most popular international touring car racing series. In 2012 a set of new Technical Regulations will come into effect in the DTM, which provides for the fielding of two-door coupes. The A4 DTM will be replaced by the A5 DTM that celebrated its world debut at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in September and will be doing a “trial” lap at Hockenheim together with its future competitors directly before the start of the DTM race. 

Fans can not only look forward to the new A5 DTM though. The finale itself promises to deliver suspense galore despite the well-deserved early title win by Martin Tomczyk from Audi Sport Team Phoenix. Mattias Ekström, the 2004 and 2007 DTM Champion, is ranking only two points behind Bruno Spengler in the standings and thus has good chances of winning the “vice champion’s” title – particularly since the Swede is in supreme form at the moment. He won three of the last four races and finished as the runner-up once. 

For Ekström’s squad the race at Hockenheim will still be about winning the team classification. Before the last race Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline has a five-point advantage and thus the chance of winning this title for the third time, after 2004 and 2007. All points scored by Ekström and his team-mate Mike Rockenfeller will be added to the team’s tally. Their rivals are Gary Paffett and Bruno Spengler.

The “Rookie of the Year” title has already been decided. It will go to Edoardo Mortara from Audi Sport Team Rosberg. The Italian who lives in Switzerland has scored as many as 21 points in his first DTM career – more than all of the other four newcomers combined. 

Another Audi racer – Filipe Albuquerque – is the second-best rookie. The Portuguese most recently shone at Valencia as the runner-up. This means that no fewer than seven different Audi drivers mounted the podium this year – which clearly shows the good balance of the 2011 Audi driver squad. 

Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich is now faced with the tough task of forming the squad for the 2012 DTM season from this high-caliber line-up. Therefore, every single one of them will give everything at the finale to leave a good impression and to recommend himself for the new A5.

Martin Tomczyk has already done so a long time ago. The new DTM Champion will start into the finale with a large “1” displayed on the roof of his Audi A4 DTM – a greeting from Audi’s partner Schaeffler to the new champion. The 29-year-old has definitely earned the “1” after this season. Three times he was on the top of the podium, seven times on the podium in total, none of the races saw him finish below fifth place and at Valencia he immediately converted his first “match ball.” Accordingly, Tomczyk can tackle the race at Hockenheim in a relaxed manner and enjoy the final showing of the Audi A4 DTM, the race touring car that – after Mattias Ekström and Timo Scheider – has now also helped him achieve the DTM title and so far greatest success in his career.

The final appearance of the Audi A4 DTM will be broadcast live by ARD on “Das Erste”: Coverage of qualifying on Saturday (October 22) will start at 1:40 p.m. and of the race on Sunday (October 23) at 1:45 p.m. (local times). 

Other topics of the weekend

• Will Martin Tomczyk be able to complete his string of top-five results?
• Will another Audi driver – Miguel Molina manage a podium finish?
• Will Rahel Frey be able to achieve a highlight at the end of the season? 

Quotes by the officials
 
Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport):

I’m convinced that the DTM finale at Hockenheim will be a tremendous race. There are many who are still viewing the event as a chance to present themselves for the 2012 season by winning this season’s finale. I do think though that it’ll be difficult there to keep Mattias Ekström in his current form from being in contention for victory again. This means that the outcome is completely open and it’s definitely well worth for the fans to travel to the DTM finale – not least because they’ll be able to see the new DTM cars 2012 there in action on a race track for the first time.

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): 

Hockenheim is an important race for us because there are still quite a few things for us to clinch there: the runner-up spot for Mattias Ekström and the team title for Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline. Everyone can drive freely, and if we should win the official team title, there’ll be a party again. That would be a nice way for us to close the season.

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): 

We’ve got a race without pressure coming up because we’ve already won the title. Martin (Tomczyk) can start from the grid with a feeling of relief and we’ll be working with a feeling of relief. That way, we can also achieve a lot on one of Martin’s favorite tracks. And we definitely want to move Rahel (Frey) forward once more. She knows this track very well. At Valencia she had to step back a bit at the pit stops, so now we want to give something back to her.

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): 

Hockenheim will be fantastic. The championship has been decided; everything will be more relaxed; everyone will be driving without tactical considerations. And this is the home race for Audi Sport Team Rosberg from Neustadt an der Weinstraße. The track suits us and both drivers have already been on the podium in their first DTM season. After having clinched three consecutive podium finishes and two third places plus a second place I’d like to win for a change.

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers 
 
Filipe Albuquerque (26/P), TV Movie Audi A4 DTM #18 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)

• By taking position two on the grid and finishing the race as the runner-up experienced his breakthrough at Valencia
• Between Valencia and Hockenheim helped Greg Franchi win the Blancpain Endurance Series in the Audi R8 LMS of the WRT team

I’m hoping for things to be going better for me at Hockenheim than they did at the beginning of the season. I learned a lot in my first DTM season. And the result at Valencia came at the right time. That gives me a personal boost and the team, too, knows what we can achieve. We’re competing there without pressure. Maybe we’ll clinch a podium, and if not, then at least a place in the points. That should be realistic.

Mattias Ekström (33/S), Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #8 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)

• After his third victory this season, still has good chances of taking the “vice champion’s” title
• Was the runner-up at the Hockenheim season opener
• Most recently, at Valencia, started from the top spot on the grid

It’s always nice to travel to Hockenheim. It will conclude the season. This time I’m arriving there completely relaxed and will try to deliver a solid performance. I want to clinch another good result before we can look forward to the winter break and the tests with the new A5 DTM.

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

• With a 14th-place finish achieved her second-best result of the season at Valencia
• In qualifying most recently in Spain was quicker than Susie Stoddart
• Is completing her first DTM season with Audi at Hockenheim

I’m tremendously looking forward to Hockenheim. That’ll be the grand finale. We already drove there at the beginning of the year. I want to make another step forward. We’ll continue to work hard. My last third of the race at Valencia was very good. But the result didn’t match my performance. So we’ll give everything again to see a great ending of the season. After that, we’ll have the big party.

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

• At Valencia, scored points for the third time this year
• Is completing his fourth season with Audi at Hockenheim

Now the last race of the season is coming up. The championship has already been won, ‘well done’ to Martin (Tomczyk)! We can all attack again. I want to finish the season with a good result.

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

• At his home round in Spain took fifth place as his best result of the season
• Scored points for the second consecutive time
• Drove his 20th DTM race at Valencia

Hockenheim is a track I like. That’s where I drove my first DTM race. It’s a good opportunity to show once more what’s possible. I scored points at Valencia and I want to do that again at Hockenheim.

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

• As the best newcomer in the season’s standings cannot be overtaken by any other rookie anymore
• Has already clinched two podium results in the second half of the season
• Celebrated victory at the Formula 3 finale at Hockenheim last year

I think that I could manage a pretty good result at the finale. Pure speed was very good in the past few races. The new Audi A4 DTM is excellent. In qualifying though I’m still making too many mistakes. If I improve, then a really good event is possible. That would be important after the disappointing Valencia weekend.

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

• Started from the first row and mounted the podium at Hockenheim last year
• Has 50 DTM races under his belt
• Ranking in fifth place of the standings, wants to close the season with a good result

I want to drive another good race at our season finale. The past races were a bit difficult. I’ve got something to make up at Hockenheim because at the first race of the year we had a defect on the car there. The race wasn’t much to write home about, but qualifying went well. I’m hoping for my car to be exactly the way I need it to be, and then I’d like to win there.

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

• Drove the fastest race lap at Valencia
• Scheider is the only Audi driver so far to have won the Hockenheim finale, three years ago
• Started from position one at Hockenheim last fall

Hockenheim will be the grand finale. It means free driving for us. We can still win the team championship for Abt. This has to be our goal. And my personal interest is to win a race. It would be nice if I could still manage that at the finale.

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

• Will arrive at Hockenheim as the early title winner
• The Bavarian is the only driver to have scored points at each round
• The new champion is aiming for his eighth podium finish at the tenth race

Arriving at Hockenheim as DTM Champion will be a new experience for me. It’s a nice track and great conclusion for the DTM. Audi is still battling for a couple of things. Mattias (Ekström) can still become the runner-up and Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline can still win the team championship. There’s no doubt that everyone will be trying to make a few more marks, and to run at the very front of the field.

The Audi drivers in the 2011 DTM

Filipe Albuquerque (P): * Jun 13, 1985 in Coimbra (P); residence: Coimbra (P); single; height: 1.74 m; weight: 64 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 9; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 0; points: 9; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM finale Hockenheim: –

Mattias Ekström (S): * Jul 14, 1978 in Falun (S); residence: Salenstein (CH); single (partner Heidi), one son (Mats); height: 1.83 m; weight: 79 kg; Audi driver since 2001; DTM races: 113; pole positions: 18; victories: 17; fastest laps: 12; points: 531; DTM titles: 2 (2004, 2007); best result, DTM finale Hockenheim: 2

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: 9; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 12th place) fastest laps: 0; points: 0; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM finale Hockenheim: –

Oliver Jarvis (GB): * Jan 09, 1984 in Burwell (GB); residence: Ermatingen (CH); single; height: 1.80 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2008; DTM races: 41; pole positions: 1; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 0; points: 54; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM finale Hockenheim: 6

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: 20; pole positions: 1; victories: 0 (best result: 4th place); fastest laps: 1; points: 20; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM finale Hockenheim: –

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: 9; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 3rd place); fastest laps: 0; points: 21; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM finale Hockenheim: –

Mike Rockenfeller (D): * Oct 31, 1983 in Neuwied (D); residence: Altnau (CH); single; height: 1.75 m; weight: 67 kg; Audi driver since 2007; DTM races: 50; pole positions: 1; victories: 1; fastest laps: 2; points: 69; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM finale Hockenheim: 3

Timo Scheider (D): * Nov 11, 1978 in Lahnstein (D); residence: Lochau (A); single, (partner Jessica), one son (Loris); height: 1.78 m; weight: 74 kg; Audi driver since 2006; DTM races: 118; pole positions: 9; victories: 6; fastest laps: 8; points: 353; DTM titles: 2 (2008, 2009); best result, DTM finale Hockenheim: 1

Martin Tomczyk (D): * Dec 07, 1981 in Rosenheim (D); residence: Aesch/Basel (CH); single (partner Christina); height: 1.88 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2001; DTM races: 112; pole positions: 8; victories: 7; fastest laps: 6; points: 313; DTM titles: 1 (2011); best result, DTM finale Hockenheim: 2

2011 DTM point standings 

1 Martin Tomczyk (Audi A4 DTM) 64 points
2 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz) 51 points
3 Mattias Ekström (Audi A4 DTM) 49 points
4 Timo Scheider (Audi A4 DTM) 34 points
5 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi A4 DTM) 26 points
6 Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz) 25 points
7 Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes-Benz) 21 points
8 Edoardo Mortara (Audi A4 DTM) 21 points
9 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) 21 points
10 Oliver Jarvis (Audi A4 DTM) 13 points
11 Filipe Albuquerque (Audi A4 DTM) 9 points
12 Miguel Molina (Audi A4 DTM) 5 points
13 Maro Engel (Mercedes-Benz) 5 points
14 Christian Vietoris (Mercedes-Benz) 4 points
15 Tom Kristensen (Audi A4 DTM) 2 points
16 David Coulthard (Mercedes-Benz) 1 point

2011 DTM season interim statistics

Victories: Audi 7; Mercedes-Benz 2
Pole positions: Audi 5; Mercedes-Benz 4
Fastest laps: Audi 5; Mercedes-Benz 4
Leading laps: Audi 315; Mercedes-Benz 145

Audi DTM statistics

Pole positions: 63
Victories: 61
Fastest laps: 52
Champion’s titles: 8 (1990, 1991, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)

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)

Track info

Track length: 4.574 km
Race distance: 38 laps = 173.812 km
DTM qualifying record on this track: Mattias Ekström (Audi), 1m 32.244s = 178.509 km/h (October 25, 2008)
DTM race record on this track: Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz), 1m 33.576s = 175.968 km/h (October 26, 2008)
Pole position 2010: Timo Scheider (Audi), 1m 37.399s = 138.088 km/h (October 16, 2010)*
Fastest lap 2010: Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz), 1m 20.120s = 167.868 km/h (October 17, 2010)*
Turnout 2010: 140,000
TV live rating 2010: 1.41 million/9.4 % market share (source: ARD)
* Track version: 3.736 km

Mattias Ekström about Hockenheim:

Coming to Hockenheim in the fall always gives you a feeling of being at the finale. Since Hockenheim is the track that we race at twice a year, I know it like the back of my hand. Every bump, every stone and all the kerbs are implanted in my memory. To a large extent the track is distinctly fast. It does, however, have a few slow corners like those in the Motodrom. Anyone wanting to see overtaking maneuvers should sit somewhere in the middle sector of the track. Spectators enjoy a unique atmosphere in the Motodrom. This section is also very emotional for the drivers. I always associate great moments with Hockenheim: In 2004 I arrived as champion; in 2007 I left Hockenheim as champion. It’s obviously a great feeling.

2010 flashback
In front of an impressive turnout of 140,000 spectators (throughout the weekend) Audi put two drivers on the podium at the DTM finale. Timo Scheider as the runner-up achieved his best result of the season. Mike Rockenfeller, at his 40th DTM race, managed a podium finish for the second time in his DTM career. Scheider and Rockenfeller had started from the front row in their Audi A4 DTM cars but had to admit defeat in the end to Paul Di Resta who was running on a different strategy and made his pit stops at a later time. Mattias Ekström became entangled in a mass collision on the starting lap and thus lost his last chance of winning the title. 
 
2010 results
1 Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz) 47 laps in 1h 07m 27.578s 
2 Timo Scheider (Audi A4 DTM) + 10.532s 
3 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi A4 DTM) + 14.702s 
4 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) + 19.541s 
5 Martin Tomczyk (Audi A4 DTM) + 20.006s 
6 Oliver Jarvis (Audi A4 DTM) + 20.337s 
 
Timetable
Friday, 21 October
09:00–09:30 Roll-out
09:30–09:35 Starting practice
13:00–14:30 Free practice 1
14:30–14:35 Starting practice
 
Saturday, October 22
09:25–10:55 Free practice 2
13:40–14:50 Qualifying
 
Sunday, October 23
09:30–10:00 Warm-up
14:00 Race 
 
TV schedule 
Saturday, October 22
13:40–15:05 Qualifying

Sunday, October 23
13:45–15:40 Race 

• Bavarian driver secures his first DTM title early, at Valencia
• Biggest triumph achieved with a fighting spirit, humor, coolness and teamwork
• Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler: “Title crowns Audi’s successful motorsport year”

[Source: Audi-Motorsport] 

• Mattias Ekström dominates in the rain at Oschersleben
• Martin Tomczyk in second place after sensational recovery
• Nine-point advantage in the overall standings

Ingolstadt/Oschersleben, September 18, 2011 – Audi, Audi, Audi – only 14 days after the one-two-three triumph in the rain battle at Brands Hatch the brand with the four rings again took the whole podium at a DTM race in similarly difficult conditions. At Oschersleben, Mattias Ekström (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline) triumphed in front of leader of the standings Martin Tomczyk (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) and rookie Edoardo Mortara (Audi Sport Team Rosberg).
 
For Audi this marked the 60th victory in total in the most popular international touring car series, the sixth in the current season and an important step toward another DTM title. With a sensational recovery Martin Tomczyk managed to advance to second place after having started from position 14, extending his overall lead by nine points before the last two races. Consequently, the Bavarian driver living in Switzerland will already have the first match ball and chance of securing an early title win for Audi at Valencia (Spain) on October 2.
 
On the wet track at the Motorsport Arena Tomczyk pushed forward to sixth place right on the starting lap and was subsequently one of the quickest drivers in the field. Nevertheless, he was kept on edge all the way up to the finish. After having been touched by Jamie Green right at the beginning of the race the hood of Tomczyk’s car came off on lap 18. “That caused me to completely lose the front aerodynamics,” said the leader of the standings. “But we had so much mechanical grip today that it didn’t even make such a big difference. Oschersleben was extremely slippery in the rain today. When I saw that one car after the other in front of me was spinning off the track I took it a little easier. That paid off.”
 
No less impressive than Martin Tomczyk’s recovery was the victorious drive of Mattias Ekström, who by clinching his second success of the season narrowed his gap to the runner-up in the standings, Bruno Spengler, to ten points. The Swede pushed forward from fourth to second place at the start and only needed eight laps to overtake the Canadian who had been leading up to that point. The two-time DTM Champion then drove one fastest lap after the other and had an advantage of no less than 42 seconds on crossing the finish line. “The car was simply fantastic,” said a jubilant Ekström. “I can only say ‘thank you’ to my engineer and to the team.”
 
Similar sentiments were expressed by Edoardo Mortara, who mounted the podium for the second time in a row and with a score of 21 points is now ranking in seventh place of the standings in his first DTM season. “I’ve never driven a car in the rain that has been as good as my A4 today; my engineer did an incredible job,” commented the Italian, who shielded Martin Tomczyk against the cars behind him almost throughout the race.
 
With Mike Rockenfeller on position six and the quickest in qualifying, Miguel Molina, in eighth place two other Audi drivers scored points at Oschersleben. Molina managed a good start. The Spaniard braked into the first turn on the wet track a little too late though. Despite body contact with Timo Scheider he was able to continue his drive and finally scored his overdue first point of the year.
 
After spinning twice on the starting lap Timo Scheider had started a similar recovery as Martin Tomczyk that caused him to advance to fourth place. After 25 laps though Scheider had to park his A4 DTM because a stone had destroyed the radiator.
 
After a turbulent race with several incidents Oliver Jarvis in ninth place barely missed scoring a point. In difficult conditions Rahel Frey achieved her so far best DTM result in twelfth place. Filipe Albuquerque was forced to retire after a collision with Ralf Schumacher in which he was not at fault.
 
“We’ve seen very spectacular motorsport today,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Similar to the round at Brands Hatch our A4 DTM was extremely strong in the rain. Mattias (Ekström), Martin (Tomczyk) and Edoardo (Mortara) again drove tremendous races. We’re happy about our 60th victory and another fantastic result for Audi.”

Ingolstadt/Oschersleben, September 18, 2011 – Audi celebrated another one-two-three victory in the DTM. Quotes after the race at Oschersleben.
 
Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport)
“It was an extremely turbulent and a tremendous race. Mattias (Ekström) was incredibly quick. I think there hasn’t been a DTM race won with such a large advantage in a long time. Martin (Tomczyk) finished as the runner-up in a car that was damaged during half of the race – a fantastic performance. And Edoardo, too, deserved his place on the podium. In total, it’s been an impressive team performance and a strong result for Audi.”
 
Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM), 1st place
“I had a fantastic race. Crossing the finish line in the DTM as the winner with a more than 40-second advantage is definitely a world of difference. I didn’t even know who came second behind me. I’m very happy that it was Martin (Tomczyk). But I’m even happier that in the team and with Audi Sport we’ve come up with ways of working together even better and continuing our successful days. Knowing this, it’s really fun going into the last two races, and then starting into the winter break.”
 
Martin Tomczyk (Schaeffler Audi A4 DTM), 2nd place
“For me, clearly, the story of the day is the one that happened on the first lap. Recovering eight positions in such difficult conditions and to then even advance to second place is anything but easy. A little luck was involved too. After the poor qualifying session my team and I had a perfect Sunday. We’re now leading the championship with a nine-point advantage. That doesn’t mean anything except that we’ll be tackling the next races the same way we did the last ones: with determination and concentration.”
 
Edoardo Mortara (Playboy Audi A4 DTM), 3rd place
“I’ve got mixed feelings. It was definitely a fantastic result for me to finish on the podium as a rookie for the second time this season. But I made a lot of mistakes in qualifying and particularly at the start. I still need to improve some more for the next races at Valencia and Hockenheim.”
 
Mike Rockenfeller (E-POSTBRIEF Audi A4 DTM), 6th place
“Due to the many spins, accidents and duels the race was very chaotic. I had a good start but unfortunately was pushed far to the outside in turn two and lost many places in the process. Afterward, I drove my race. Fourth place would have been possible, but advancing from tenth to sixth place, wasn’t bad. It could have been worse.”
 
Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM), 8th place
“My start was good. But in turn one I made a braking mistake, the rear wheels locked and I slipped in a straight line. It was difficult to find my way back into the race. I then made too many mistakes. In the end, one point isn’t enough when you’ve started from pole.”
 
Oliver Jarvis (Audi Sport performance cars A4 DTM), 9th place
“It was a thrilling race for the fans, but for me it was disappointing. I made too many mistakes and damaged the car too heavily. I had the chance for a podium result but finished in ninth place. My sincere congratulations to Audi on the one-two-three win.”
 
Rahel Frey (Glamour Audi A4 DTM), 12th place
“I was a bit cautious at the start. It was raining and there were many accidents on the first few laps. Unfortunately, Maro Engel hit me in the rear so that I flew off into the grass and lost a lot of time. Although my speed in between was pretty good I’m not satisfied.”
 
Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi A4 DTM), retirement
“After a very good start and making up a few places I was hit by a team-mate and spun. Naturally it was frustrating to follow the field from behind. We then managed to advance pretty well and were at times the fastest car in the field. I then had body contact with Gary Paffett, spun once more and moved forward again. Unfortunately a stone must have damaged the radiator so that I was forced to park the car.”
 
Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A4 DTM), retirement
“My race ended very early. Gary Paffett braked too hard; I wasn’t able to get out of his way and hit him. Afterward, on the straight, I lost the hood and that ended my race.”
 
Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “Today we’ve seen the true potential of Audi and our team. You could see that we’re all fighting for victory and for Martin (Tomczyk). The team did some great pit stops and the strategy was right. This was real teamwork and we can all be proud of it. ‘Well done’ to everyone who had a part in this, it’s been a great day for us.”
 
Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “It was crucial for the race how Martin (Tomczyk) moved forward on the first few laps. We were quick in the race and got everything right – and we’re overjoyed. Now we’ll battle to hold onto the nine-point advantage. It’s a shame that Rahel (Frey) had an accident with Maro Engel in the beginning and then dropped all the way to the rear.”
 
Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): “It was simply great. Edoardo (Mortara) made a slow start but then did a superb job of pushing forward. It’s the second time in a row that we’re in third place. My thanks go to the team and to Edo. Three drivers from three different Audi teams in front – that was simply great. Filipe (Albuquerque) had a lot of body contact in the beginning. The car was damaged pretty badly. We say ‘sorry’ for him having slid into Paffett. But I think it was not his fault.”

• Martin Tomczyk celebrates third win of the season at Brands Hatch
• Drivers from all three Audi teams on podium
• Commanding performance in difficult conditions

With his third victory of the season Martin Tomczyk recaptured the DTM lead for Audi at Brands Hatch (Great Britain). Mattias Ekström and Edoardo Mortara completed an Audi one-two-three triumph in extremely difficult conditions. For the first time drivers from all three Audi teams were on the podium.

After two days of summer-like weather rain set in just before the start of the race on Sunday. Since the DTM had never before raced at Brands Hatch on a wet track the teams and drivers were faced with a tricky task, which the Audi squad handled perfectly. From the beginning the Audi drivers set the pace. The previous front runner, Bruno Spengler (Mercedes), was almost 40 seconds behind when he crossed the finish line.

At the start the quickest in qualifying, Mike Rockenfeller, initially took the lead, followed by Mattias Ekström, who overtook ex DTM champion Gary Paffett in the notorious “Paddock Hill Bend” on the outside of the wet track. As early as on lap two Martin Tomczyk and Edoardo Mortara managed to outwit Paffett as well – which meant that four Audi A4 DTM cars were running in the top four places.

On the first few laps Martin Tomczyk in the Audi A4 DTM of Audi Sport Team Phoenix was the fastest driver in the field. The German who lives in Switzerland overtook Mattias Ekström and Mike Rockenfeller and was running at the front of the field from the eleventh lap on. Aside from a small slip on lap 22 Tomczyk was controlling the pace throughout, securely brought his third win of the season home and also set the fastest race lap.

“I’m overjoyed, the whole weekend was perfect,” said Tomczyk. “It wasn’t easy because the rain was not consistently heavy throughout the race and the rain tires didn’t have very much grip on the first laps. But my Audi A4 was sensational again today – it was fun to drive. I want to thank my team for a great set-up and a perfect strategy.”

Nürburgring winner Mattias Ekström clinched second place for Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline and moved forward to third place in the standings. Edoardo Mortara from Audi Sport Team Rosberg finished third and thus achieved the first podium result in his DTM career. With a score of now 15 points the Italian who lives in Switzerland is by far the best rookie of the year.

Audi’s chances for a 1-2-3-4 result were thwarted by Ralf Schumacher: The former Formula 1 driver touched the rear of Mike Rockenfeller’s car and forced the quickest in qualifying into a spin. “I don’t understand that he didn’t receive a penalty for that,” complained “Rocky”, who dropped to sixth place and in the final phase kept Bruno Spengler at bay.

Oliver Jarvis was within a striking distance of the Canadian for almost the whole race. However, the Briton’s tires overheated on the final laps so that shortly before the finish he had to surrender his eighth place and the last point of the day to Jamie Green.

Filipe Albuquerque pushed forward from the last position on the grid to twelfth place. Timo Scheider was hit by a rival on the first lap and lost three laps in the pits. Rahel Frey drove consistently fast lap times in the difficult conditions. But a spin and an excursion into the gravel trap caused the Swiss to drop to the rear of the field. Miguel Molina was forced to retire due to a damaged suspension as a result of an accident in which he was not at fault.

“The whole squad did a tremendous job today and made exactly the right decisions for the wet race,” commented Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “That was no easy feat as the DTM has never raced in rain at Brands Hatch before. We clearly had an advantage in the race today. Our drivers did a great job and in the end racers from all our teams were on the podium – today we’ve got every reason to celebrate.”

For Audi this marked as much as the fifth victory, clinched at the seventh race. The next round will be held two weeks from now at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. Martin Tomczyk will travel to the venue with a one-point advantage over Bruno Spengler. Mattias Ekström, Timo Scheider and Mike Rockenfeller still have theoretical chances for the title as well.

Quotes after the race at Brands Hatch:

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport)

A perfect result for Audi! Martin (Tomczyk) drove a fantastic race, but naturally so did Eki and Edo – no question. I’m really pleased with that: particularly because it was a special race due to the difficult conditions. The result is a reward for everyone who has worked so hard to achieve it. It reflects a great team performance. Martin is leading the championship again. Simply marvelous.

Martin Tomczyk (Schaeffler Audi A4 DTM), 1st place

A fantastic race! The start was obviously a little tricky. The situation with Gary Paffett in the early stages was a bit difficult. He blocked and wasn’t able to drive the times that I could. But then I found my pace. From then on things were going really well all the way up to the end of the race, very fast, very consistent. It’s been a perfect weekend.

Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM), 2nd place

I’m really happy. For me, second place feels like a victory because I achieved the maximum. I saw Martin (Tomczyk) behind me, he’s in the title race and I let him run. After that, both of us were driving flat-out. It was a fantastic race for Audi.

Edoardo Mortara (Playboy Audi A4 DTM), 3rd place

A perfect race and a fantastic start – a start of the kind you may only manage once in your career. I was able to overtake some rivals early on. The rhythm was good, just in the last stint I had Gary (Paffett) behind me but was able to keep him at bay. A tremendous weekend!

Mike Rockenfeller (E-POSTBRIEF Audi A4 DTM), 6th place

On the first two or three laps I had a really good car and was able to move out in front. But the tires degraded and the car was hard to drive. We adjusted the inflation pressure, which was a good decision because I think that afterwards I was very quick again. But then the incident with Ralf Schumacher happened. Honestly speaking, I don’t understand why there was no penalty for that. I’ve got to watch the scene again, but from my perspective the matter was clear.

Oliver Jarvis (Audi Sport performance cars A4 DTM), 9th place

The race was good, particularly on the first laps. In the end my tires unfortunately degraded. But ninth place is an improvement over qualifying. Now I’m looking forward to the next race.

Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A4 DTM), 11th place

I started from the last grid position, the start went well. The rain was good for me. In the beginning I was struggling a bit, but then it got better. I was able to get past Susie and Renger. Considering that I’d started from position 18, eleventh place is good. It was a good race. It’s a shame that I slipped in qualifying.

Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi A4 DTM), 16th place

I actually had a decent start and was able to make up some positions in the first two turns. But in turn three, I was unfortunately hit. I thought something was broken but only the tire was damaged. Unfortunately, my pit crew wasn’t prepared yet which cost a lot of time. From then on I had a decent race. But that doesn’t get you any points, I’m afraid.

Rahel Frey (Glamour Audi A4 DTM), 17th place

I had a poor start, and then I was unfortunately at the end of the field. I was able to catch up with the cars in front of me and overtook Filipe (Albuquerque). I wanted to pass Susie (Stoddart) too but then spun off and was at the rear of the field again. I tried to keep putting on pressure. We had a late first pit stop, which was good. After the second stop I was too fast and slid into the gravel trap. But I’m pleased with the weekend because I felt comfortable in the car.

Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM), retirement

At the start I was hit and then the steering wheel was crooked. For safety reasons we decided to retire.

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline):

Today was a great day for Audi and for all three teams. I’d like to thank everyone for sticking together the way we did. Now we’re back on track for the championship. Martin (Tomczyk) is leading. Audi could not have expected more of this weekend. We showed a good performance. We’ll heavily celebrate that today.

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix):

“Martin’s victory is the kind of result you wish for. Naturally, you’ve got to find the right set-up in the rain, but everything fit. Mercedes was slower in the beginning. That’s when we were able to achieve our advantage. Martin (Tomczyk) came home without any mistakes. Everything went right with the strategy too. ‘Well done’ to the squad, to Audi and of course to Martin. Rahel (Frey) was running at a good pace. She was almost as fast as Martin. If she hadn’t made that small mistake she’d have finished on a nice position. Too bad!”

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg):

That was a great day. Edo’s (Mortara) start was already sensational. He drove a fantastic race. We had very good stops, the strategy was right. I’m happy. Filipe, too, advanced from position 18 almost into the top ten. Let’s continue like this. ‘Well done’ to Martin Tomczyk – a class act!

[Source: Audi-Motorsport]

• DTM visits Brands Hatch after the summer break
• Martin Tomczyk aims to recapture lead of the standings
• Six Audi racers still have theoretical title chances

After a three-week summer break the first September weekend at Brands Hatch (Great Britain) marks the start of the final sprint and the chase for the lead of the DTM standings for Audi. Martin Tomczyk is aiming to reduce the gap to Bruno Spengler, who is ranking in first place, and preferably recapture the overall lead.

The 29-year-old German from Audi Sport Team Phoenix knows how to do that at Brands Hatch. Tomczyk captured the top spot on the leaderboard on the 1.929-kilometer and thus shortest track on a previous occasion. In 2007 a second-place finish behind Bernd Schneider sufficed for him to advance to first place in the overall classification.

Mathematically, with a seven-point gap to Bruno Spengler, the Audi factory driver would again only have to finish as the runner-up to regain the lead of the standings – at least if the Canadian scored no points at Brands Hatch.

Tomczyk can safely assume that his 2008-specification Audi A4 DTM will be running well at the “Indy Circuit.” Last year, Miguel Molina in an A4 of the same generation was the fastest Audi driver in the race.

But Tomczyk is not the only Audi driver who can still have hopes of clinching the title. The two-time DTM Champion Timo Scheider from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline is ranking in third place of the standings, behind his brand colleague. Theoretically, as many as six Audi drivers still have title chances, though realistically, only the two Germans Martin Tomczyk and Timo Scheider do.

Scheider, too, has very fond memories of Brands Hatch. On the way to his first DTM title in 2008 he managed to score a very important victory at the DTM’s UK round, and in the past two years he was on podium as well.

Mattias Ekström is another Brands Hatch winner in Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline’s driver squad. In 2006 the Swede was the first winner of a DTM race at Brands Hatch. With a commanding victory clinched at the Nürburgring, the last round before the summer break, Ekström showed that he has not lost any of his skills.

So Audi is traveling to the UK with good prerequisites for raising the victory score in the prestige duel against Mercedes-Benz to 5-2. The seventh race of the season will start on Sunday (September 4) at 2 p.m. local time. ARD will broadcast live on “Das Erste” beginning at 2:40 (CEST).

Other topics of the weekend

• Will Miguel Molina finally clinch his first point of the year?
• Will Edoardo Mortara again be the best rookie in the field?
• Will all three Audi teams be able to score again?
• How many drivers will still be in the title race after Brands Hatch?

Quotes by the officials

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport):

After a short summer break we’re traveling to Brands Hatch. Our performance has always been pretty good there but in the past two years we weren’t able to convert this into victories. Now we’re aiming to achieve a good result with the momentum we had before the summer break. I’m looking toward this race with optimism.

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline):

Naturally, after the great result at the Nürburgring we’re really looking forward to Brands Hatch. We’re highly motivated for the second half of the DTM. We showed that we’re able to run at the front of the field. We’ll try and take our form with us to the UK. Brands Hatch is a track that suits us well. We’ve had some great successes there. We’ll put the motivation of the whole team to good use.

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix):

Due to the track being so short Brands Hatch may well be the biggest challenge of the year. When you pit you’re no longer on the same lap as the leaders. You’re always moving in traffic. I find this to be a tremendous challenge. Considering how narrow the margins are on longer race tracks I’m wondering whether the gaps we’ll be seeing in qualifying at Brands Hatch will only be in the range of hundredths or thousandths. But I’m looking forward to that and so are my drivers.

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg):

Brands Hatch is always good. It’s the shortest track on the calendar. With almost 100 laps it’s like racing on a merry-go-around. I’m looking forward to it, and particularly since Filipe (Albuquerque) has also broken his duck now. He knows how he has to set up and drive the car. That gives us a good chance to finish in the points with Filipe and with Edoardo (Mortara).

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

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

• Just barely missed a points finish most recently at the Nürburgring

As soon as one DTM race is over I already look forward to the next one because it’s simply fun. And most recently at the Nürburgring a lot of things really went well for me. I think my engineer and I’ve made a step forward. The set-up and the race pace are much better now. I don’t know the short circuit version yet. It’ll be very close, like at the Norisring. I’m gathering more and more kilometers and starting to score points. Hopefully, I’ll clinch another one there.

Mattias Ekström (33/S), Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #8 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)

• Has most recently, at Spa and at the Nürburgring, won two consecutive races for Audi
• In 2006, was the first winner at the DTM round at Brands Hatch

I always enjoy being there. It’s no doubt one of the race tracks on which you can have the greatest fun. It’s extremely short and produces very low lap times, which means we driving a very large number of laps. Traffic is dense and tactics are important.

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

• Only knows the long circuit version at Brands Hatch
• Has recorded her sixth consecutive race finish

I know the long circuit at Brands Hatch but not the short version. That’ll be a fantastic challenge, especially turn one. And with 98 laps you probably nearly go crazy. The DTM at Brands Hatch will definitely be a great experience for me.

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

• With a sixth-place finish clinched his best Brands Hatch result last year
• Is the only Audi driver for whom Brands Hatch is a home round

It’s important for me to score points at my home race. On this track, turn one is absolutely crucial. You can gain a lot of time there by taking a certain risk. It’s one of the most beautiful turns in the world. That’s why I’m really looking forward to traveling to Brands Hatch.

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

• Set the fastest race lap at Brands Hatch last year
• Has clinched his so far best DTM result – fourth place – there

Brands Hatch is a good track for me. A year ago I scored my best DTM result there. At the Nürburgring we had a really good qualifying session. I want to continue that at Brands Hatch. And then I’m hoping for a good race.

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

• Celebrated a victory on this track as a Formula 3 racer a year ago
• Has already achieved three points finishes this season
• With grid position five as the best driver of a year-old car at the Nürburgring has continued his good form curve

I know this circuit well and it should also suit me very well. The track is very special, but I’ve always achieved good results there. In 2007 I won there for the first time in Formula 3. Now I’d like to continue our good string of results. At the Norisring, in Munich and at the Nürburgring we managed three good weekends in a row. We’ve already improved, resolved earlier issues, and can just improve further.

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

• Achieved his second podium finish this year at the Nürburgring
• Demonstrated a good qualifying performance as well by taking third place on the grid

After the summer break we’re traveling to Brands Hatch. Naturally, I’m looking forward to that again. Due to its length of less than two kilometers the track is very special. As a result, the times will be extremely close. I’m hoping for us to be able to come up with a good set-up for the Audi A4 DTM so that I’ll finish very far at the front.

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

• Won with Audi at Brands Hatch in 2008
• Started from the front row in 2008 and 2009 and was on podium three times in a row

I’ve got fond memories of Brands Hatch where I was on podium in the past two years. In 2008 I even won there. It’s always nice to return to a track where you’ve had good experiences in recent years. But that’s by no means a guarantee that you’ll achieve a good result. I’m looking forward to the race after we’ve been able to recharge our batteries a bit during the break. After the great weekend for Audi at the Nürburgring we’re all traveling to Brands Hatch fully motivated.

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

• Travels to Brands Hatch as the runner-up in the standings
• Is one of four drivers who scored points at all six races in 2011

Brands Hatch is a nice track. It’s also a good one for Audi because we’ve clinched some nice results there. The circuit is small, very narrow, with a lot of laps being driven. Qualifying is crucial there, and of course the strategy.

The Audi drivers in the 2011 DTM

Filipe Albuquerque (P): * Jun 13, 1985 in Coimbra (P); residence: Coimbra (P); single; height: 1.74 m; weight: 64 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 6; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 8th place); fastest laps: 0; points: 1; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Brands Hatch: -

Mattias Ekström (S): * Jul 14, 1978 in Falun (S); residence: Salenstein (CH); single (partner Heidi), one son (Mats); height: 1.83 m; weight: 79 kg; Audi driver since 2001; DTM races: 110 pole positions: 17; victories: 15; fastest laps: 11; points: 503; DTM titles: 2 (2004, 2007); best result, DTM Brands Hatch: 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: 6; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 15th place) fastest laps: 0; points: 0; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Brands Hatch: -

Oliver Jarvis (GB): * Jan 09, 1984 in Burwell (GB); residence: Ermatingen (CH); single; height: 1.80 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2008; DTM races: 38; pole positions: 1; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 0; points: 51; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Brands Hatch: 6

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: 17; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 4th place); fastest laps: 1; points: 15; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Brands Hatch: 4

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: 6; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 5th place); fastest laps: 0; points: 9; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Brands Hatch: -

Mike Rockenfeller (D): * Oct 31, 1983 in Neuwied (D); residence: Altnau (CH); single; height: 1.75 m; weight: 67 kg; Audi driver since 2007; DTM races: 47; pole positions: 0; victories: 1; fastest laps: 2; points: 63; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Brands Hatch: 7

Timo Scheider (D): * Nov 11, 1978 in Lahnstein (D); residence: Lochau (A); single, (partner Jessica), one son (Loris); height: 1.78 m; weight: 74 kg; Audi driver since 2006; DTM races: 115; pole positions: 9; victories: 6; fastest laps: 7; points: 348; DTM titles: 2 (2008, 2009); best result, DTM Brands Hatch: 1

Martin Tomczyk (D): * Dec 07, 1981 in Rosenheim (D); residence: Aesch/Basel (CH); single (partner Christina); height: 1.88 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2001; DTM races: 109; pole positions: 8; victories: 6; fastest laps: 5; points: 289; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Brands Hatch: 2

2011 DTM point standings

1 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz) 47 points
2 Martin Tomczyk (Audi A4 DTM) 40 points
3 Timo Scheider (Audi A4 DTM) 29 points
4 Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz) 24 points
5 Mattias Ekström (Audi A4 DTM) 21 points
6 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi A4 DTM) 20 points
7 Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes-Benz) 17 points
8 Oliver Jarvis (Audi A4 DTM) 10 points
9 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) 10 points
10 Edoardo Mortara (Audi A4 DTM) 9 points
11 Maro Engel (Mercedes-Benz) 3 points
12 Tom Kristensen (Audi A4 DTM) 2 points
13 David Coulthard (Mercedes-Benz) 1 point
14 Filipe Albuquerque (Audi A4 DTM) 1 point

2011 DTM season interim statistics

Victories: Mercedes-Benz 2; Audi 4
Pole positions: Mercedes-Benz 4; Audi 2
Fastest laps: Mercedes-Benz 4; Audi 2
Leading laps: Mercedes-Benz 135; Audi 147

Audi DTM statistics

Pole positions: 60
Victories: 58
Fastest laps: 49
Champion’s titles: 7 (1990, 1991, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009)

All Brands Hatch winners since 2006

2006 Mattias Ekström (Audi)
2007 Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz)
2008 Timo Scheider (Audi)
2009 Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz)
2010 Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz)

Track info

Track length: 1.929 km
Race distance: 98 laps = 189.042 km
DTM qualifying record on this track: Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz), 41.278s = 168.235 km/h (September 4, 2010)
DTM race record on this track: Miguel Molina (Audi), 41.896s = 165.753 km/h (September 5, 2010)
Pole position 2010: Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz), 41.278s = 168.235 km/h (September 4, 2010)
Fastest lap 2010: Miguel Molina (Audi), 41.896s = 165.753 km/h (September 5, 2010)
Turnout 2010: 24,000
TV live rating 2010: 0.99 million/8.8 % market share (source: ARD)

Oliver Jarvis about Brands Hatch:

Brands Hatch is the shortest track on the calendar, but it is also very technical and extremely difficult to achieve a perfect lap. There aren’t many corners, but every small mistake costs you dearly because the margins in qualifying are so small. Often only thousandths of a second separate us. Brands Hatch is one of my favorite tracks and Paddock Hill bend is one of the best corners in the world. When you come over the crest you can’t see the apex. The track then drops away. You have to exit this corner very cleanly if you are to have any chance of attacking under braking in the uphill section before Druids. This is the best point to overtake. The spectators can see almost every corner from the grandstands.

2010 flashback

By taking third place at Brands Hatch Timo Scheider moved forward to fourth place in the DTM’s overall classification. The title defender had started from position three and was putting the leader of the standings, Bruno Spengler, under pressure across 60 laps, only losing a bit of ground after the second pit stop. DTM rookie Miguel Molina pushed forward from ninth to fourth place with an impressive performance. Oliver Jarvis, Martin Tomczyk and Alexandre Prémat scored points as well. Mattias Ekström’s left rear wheel was hit by Ralf Schumacher as early as in turn one, forcing him to retire.

2010 Results
1 Paul Di Resta (Mercedes) 98 laps in 1h 10m 05.552s 
2 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes) + 7.443s 
3 Timo Scheider (Audi A4 DTM) + 10.258s
4 Miguel Molina (Audi A4 DTM) + 10.719s
5 Gary Paffett (Mercedes) + 12.780s 
6 Oliver Jarvis (Audi A4 DTM) + 23.830s
7 Martin Tomczyk (Audi A4 DTM) + 23.986s
8 Alexandre Prémat (Audi A4 DTM) + 25.689s
9 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi A4 DTM) + 26.193s
…
14 Katherine Legge (Audi A4 DTM) – 1 lap
15 Markus Winkelhock (Audi A4 DTM) – 23 laps

Timetable (local time)

Friday, September 2
09:00-09:30 Roll-out
09:30-09:35 Starting practice
13:00-14:30 Free practice 1
14:30-14:35 Starting practice

Saturday, September 3
09:00-10:30 Free practice 2
14:10-15:20 Qualifying

Sunday, September 4
10:00-10:30 Warm-up
14:00 Race

TV schedule (CEST; ARD live)

Saturday, September 3
15:03-16:30 Qualifying

Sunday, September 4
14:40-16:30 Race

[Source: Audi-Motorsport]

• Fourth success for Audi in the 2011 DTM
• Impressive performance by the two-time DTM champion
• Five Audi A4 DTM cars on the top seven positions

In the duel against Mercedes-Benz Audi has raised the score of victories to 4-2. In front of 86,500 spectators (throughout the weekend) Mattias Ekström in the Audi A4 DTM of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline was in a class of his own at the Nürburgring. From the pole position the Swede achieved an advantage of 5.533 seconds over the leader of the standings, Bruno Spengler, and celebrated his 15th DTM victory that was never at risk in the race.

Exactly 63 weeks or 441 days Mattias Ekström had to wait for this day. The last DTM race won by the Audi driver had been at Valencia at the end of May 2010. “That was a very long time,” said the Swede after his triumph at the Nürburgring. “This success feels incredibly good. I’m very happy for the team that suffered a great deal of misfortune in the first half of the season. This weekend Audi Sport and Abt were right on the mark. All I had to do was drive …”

Almost up to the end of the race Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline was even heading for a one-two result at the Nürburgring. Up to the penultimate lap Mike Rockenfeller was running in second place before, under pressure from Bruno Spengler, the wheels of his Audi A4 DTM locked as he was braking into turn one. “I was having problems with grip on the rear wheels and changed the brake balance,” explained Rockenfeller. “But that’s not meant to be an excuse. I’m sorry for the team – something like this simply mustn’t happen on the penultimate lap.”

Places four and five went to Timo Scheider and Martin Tomczyk (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) who switched positions in a fierce duel on the 20th lap. The runner-up in the standings, Tomczyk, had started well from position seven on the grid but was hit by Mercedes driver Jamie Green in the commotion on lap one. The front end of his Audi A4 DTM was damaged in the incident. Tomczyk nonetheless managed to secure fifth place and as the best driver of a year-old car scored important points in the title fight. Before the remaining four races the German as the best Audi driver remains within a striking distance to Bruno Spengler, ranking seven points behind him in the overall classification.

With Edoardo Mortara on position seven a fifth Audi driver scored points. Audi Sport Team Rosberg had to repair the Italian’s A4 DTM after an incident in the morning’s warm-up session when a kerb along the track had come loose and caused considerable damage to the left-hand side of the vehicle. The two points which Mortara clinched as the best DTM rookie in the field were a nice reward for the extra work.

Mortara’s team-mate Filipe Albuquerque in ninth place just barely missed scoring a point. Oliver Jarvis managed to recover from position 15 on the grid to tenth place. Miguel Molina and Rahel Frey occupied places twelve and 16 in the race that was very turbulent at times.

“Overall, it was a great team performance,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Mattias Ekström and his A4 DTM were in a league of their own this weekend. And Team Abt showed perfect pit stops. It’s a shame that Martin Tomczyk lost a few points. But we’re happy that after the body contact with Jamie Green on lap one he was able to even finish the race.”

One week after the 24 Hours of Spa Mattias Ekström has also won the DTM race at the Nürburgring. Another Audi driver, Mike Rockenfeller, mounted the podium as well. Quotes from the Audi camp after the race.

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport)

Naturally, it would have been even nicer to have clinched a one-two result – that would definitely have been possible today. But we can also be very pleased with positions one, three, four, five and seven. In a car that was damaged after a collision on lap one Martin (Tomczyk) managed to contain the damage by taking fifth place. Overall, our performance was extremely strong today. I’m very pleased with the whole squad.

Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM), 1st place

It’s really great standing at the top of the podium again: Not only because of the big trophy but also because of the way in which we achieved this victory. We had a perfect weekend. Obviously we were a bit fortunate in qualifying but our performance was right too. I’m very happy – also for the team. As a group we were rewarded for hard labor today. Now I’m very much looking forward to the next races.

Mike Rockenfeller (E-POSTBRIEF Audi A4 DTM), 3rd place

In summary I’d say: third place is okay, second place would have been fantastic. Up until two laps before the end I had everything under control. Balance certainly wasn’t perfect and I was struggling. But Bruno (Spengler) was fair and simply a bit faster. He was behind me the whole time. Then, as in qualifying on Saturday, I made a mistake in turn one. That’s too bad. But on the other hand I showed that the pace was right throughout the weekend. Finishing third is nothing to be ashamed of in the DTM.

Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi A4 DTM), 4th place

Fourth place is quite alright and a good result after starting from position eight on the grid. But, as before, we still need to improve in qualifying. We’ve got to do a better job of putting my driving style and the car together. But after a good start I managed driving a good race. Two sets of tires worked very well, only the last one didn’t work at all. We’ve got to analyze that.

Martin Tomczyk (Schaeffler Audi A4 DTM), 5th place

The start was outstanding. I was running directly alongside Bruno Spengler. In turn two Jamie Green came up side by side to me and slightly brushed me. In turn three his impact was heavier. That cost me four places: very annoying. Some are saying it was a race accident but I tend to see it more as a heavier form of attack. I suppose that’s become normal in such a competitive championship. I’ve got to look ahead and score as many points as possible in the next races.

Edoardo Mortara (Playboy Audi A4 DTM), 7th place

It was a long race for me. I had a good start and managed to overtake Green. We scored two points and thus achieved our goal of finishing in the top eight. But we still need to improve our race pace some more.

Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A4 DTM), 9th place

In the beginning it was fun with lots of action around me. Then I made up some ground but the cars in front of me had moved far away. Unfortunately, I lost time to Paffett during the pit stops and wasn’t able to catch up with him anymore. Ninth place after starting from twelfth on the grid is pretty good. It’s a shame we didn’t score a point. But I learned a lot in this race and will put that into action at the next round.

Oliver Jarvis (Audi Sport performance cars A4 DTM), 10th place

An interesting race. In the first and second stint I had some thrilling battles. But we started too far at the rear. Tenth place isn’t bad considering our grid position. But on the whole it’s been a disappointing weekend.

Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM), 12th place

The weekend was pretty good – until the race. In qualifying the car was fast and we were close to the top. But in the race we lost performance. I had to really fight for my lap times. On a positive note we made a step forward. At Brands Hatch I want to make another step and be as competitive as we were here on Saturday.

Rahel Frey (Glamour Audi A4 DTM), 16th place

I wanted to make a good start, the reaction time wasn’t bad, but I had wheel spin and that caused me to lose two positions. Afterward I managed to keep up with the field and fight with Engel and Vietoris for a few laps. In the first and second stint we had a lot of oversteer and I was struggling with the car. In the third stint things were going better, our times were more competitive. In the end I finished the way I’d started – on position 16. We’d been hoping for a bit more here.

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline):

A huge ‘well done’ to the whole team. We’ve always kept the faith. Today we’ve shown that we’re back. That’s a good start into the second half of the year. There’ll probably be some more surprises.

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix):

Martin (Tomczyk) drove a superb start. In turn two he was already in fourth place. Then he was heavily hit in the rear by Jamie Green which caused Martin’s car to be pushed against a car in front and causing the front of his car to be damaged. That meant his car wasn’t fast enough anymore to drive all the way to the front. Consequently, we changed our strategy. We chose an aggressive variant and drove a brief first stint. On the second set of tires we tried to do a few fast laps. We also gained three places and were running on position four. But unfortunately we weren’t fast enough around the race’s midpoint and again lost a place to Timo (Scheider). That’s how we kept running until the end. Considering the condition of the car I’m very pleased with that. Rahel (Frey) was very consistent throughout the race and drove the same lap times as Oliver (Jarvis) or Maro Engel. The curve is pointing upward.

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg):

My thanks go to the whole squad. They did a great job. ‘Eki’ drove a sensational race. As far as my drivers go I’ve got to say: Edo (Mortara) was great. He again scored two points. That was the maximum that was possible today. I enjoyed Filipe (Albuquerque) very much. He managed two sensational overtaking maneuvers: once in a pack of Mercedes drivers and then in the battle with Miguel Molina. Unfortunately, I thwarted his chance to score a point by making a wrong strategic decision. I’d like to apologize to him for that. It was a great race nonetheless and we’ve got both cars in the top ten.

[Source: Audi-Motorsport]

• Mattias Ekström at the Nürburgring again on grid position one
• Strong: Six Audi A4 DTM cars on the top eight grid positions
• First pole position of the year for Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline

Jubilee for Audi: Mattias Ekström clinched the 60th pole position in the DTM for the brand with the four rings at the Nürburging. In changeable weather the Swede from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline set the fastest time by far in Saturday’s qualifying. With six A4 DTM cars on the top eight grid positions Audi showed a strong overall team performance.

[Source: Audi-Motorsport]

• Touring car series visits Munich’s Olympic Stadium
• Races featuring knockout format to be held on two days
• Audi drivers Albuquerque and Ekström with experience advantage

Show event instead of summer break. On July 16 and 17 racing fans can experience a highly special spectacle that has never existed like this before: At Munich’s Olympic stadium the DTM stars from Audi will compete against their rivals from Mercedes-Benz – in races featuring a knockout format and in their original cars from the current DTM season.

At the venue where the soccer teams of FC Bayern München and 1860 München held their home matches in the German “Bundesliga” until 2005 and that hosted the Olympic Summer Games in 1972 the roaring sounds of the near 470-hp V8 engines of the DTM race cars will be heard for the first time. For Martin Tomczyk, Timo Scheider & company the eagerly awaited DTM debut in Munich will not (yet) be about scoring championship points. But their ambition to win the prestigious race in front of their home audience is high.

The track that has been built at Munich’s Olympic stadium during the past few months is exactly 1.192 kilometers long. In April the grass was removed and the whole interior of the stadium covered with tarmac. At the beginning of June Audi racer Filipe Albuquerque at the wheel of the Audi A4 DTM had the opportunity to explore the circuit which at the time was still provisionally marked by traffic cones.

There was a good reason why one of the three rookies from Audi’s current DTM squad was chosen to do the reconnaissance run: Last year the Portuguese had won the “Race of Champions” in Düsseldorf that is also held at a sports arena and organized by the former Audi factory driver Michèle Mouton. In Düsseldorf Albuquerque defeated Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel, among others.

Another racer from Audi’s ranks has even won the “Race of Champions” three times: In 2006 Mattias Ekström triumphed at the Stade de France in Paris, in 2007 at London’s Wembley Stadium and in 2009 at the “Bird’s Nest” in Beijing where he defeated Michael Schumacher at the finale. That is why Albuquerque and Ekström know exactly what the fans can look forward to.

The DTM race in Munich, however, differs from the “Race of Champions” in many respects. In Munich the drivers are not racing on two separate tracks but on one and the same circuit. The start and finish are directly next to each other in the opposite direction so that the spectators can clearly see who is running in front at the end of each semi-lap.

In addition, the DTM stars will not be driving cars that have been determined by the drawing of lots but their own DTM race cars. And, last but not least, one pit stop, respectively, which must be performed by a maximum of six mechanics, is prescribed as of the quarter-final runs.

Therefore, in addition to the driving skills on the shortest and most winding race track in DTM history, the swift work of the pit crews will be crucial. This is not a disadvantage for Audi at all. At four of the five first races of the season Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline performed the quickest pit stop for which tire partner Hankook always presents the winning crew with an award.

It is clear though that aerodynamics and top speed – two fortes of the current Audi A4 DTM – will play no role at the Olympic Stadium. On the meandering track in Munich traction and good turn-in behavior will be particularly important.

At two free practice sessions on Friday the Audi drivers will have time to find the optimum setup for their cars. On Saturday the “race of marques” will be on the agenda at which the drivers of one brand will first compete against each other. Then, at the finale, the best Audi and the best Mercedes driver will determine the day’s winner at two rounds.

On Sunday the best eight drivers of each brand are eligible to run. As of the eighth-final Audi will be pitted against Mercedes-Benz in a knockout format.

The fans will get to see 16 of three to five laps each per day. In addition, there will be a prologue on Saturday and a half-hour warm-up on Sunday. An extensive supporting program will be offered as well – including commentaries by Atze Schröder and live music acts by Mando Diao, The Rattles and Kensingten Road. Tickets for the stands start selling at 29 euros.

ARD’s live broadcast on “Das Erste” on Sunday (July 17) will start with the quarter-final at 2 p.m. (local time). On Saturday ARD will also air one and a half hours of live coverage from Munich.

Quotes by the officials

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport):

It’s great that we can perform a show event in Munich with the DTM and in partnership with ARD. I’m convinced that we’ll be able to win fans there that otherwise might not go to watch a DTM race. Even though Munich is not about scoring points for the championship it’s an important event for Audi that we’re taking very seriously and at which we want to present our brand well. I hope that many spectators will turn out to enjoy the DTM and its extensive supporting program.

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline):

Munich is very special for us. We’ve got many fans. We’re inviting all employees of Abt Sportsline to join us there so that they can experience their race team live again for a change. Of course we’re hoping for a lot of action to be generated at this sports arena. The crowd there is said to be outstanding, and that also goes for the noise level. It’ll no doubt be an interesting match.

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix):

Everything is new for us. We’ve never fought such a duel and aren’t sure yet what to expect there – how we’ll have to set up our cars, how the tires will work on such a short track and how we’ll keep them warm. There are many question marks. Everyone’s starting from scratch. I suppose that those who can adjust faster than their rivals will be in front.

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg):

I’ve been active in motorsport for 35 years but Munich will be very special. We’ve never raced at an Olympic stadium. There will probably be a large crowd. We’re arriving with two rookies, although Filipe Albuquerque has already won the Race of Champions. I’m expecting quite a bit of him in Munich. After all, he’s already defeated Sébastien Loeb, Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher at the Race of Champions, so he’s got a lot going for him.

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

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

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

When I tested in Munich it was difficult to make out the subsequent track layout as I was only driving on an area of tarmac between traffic cones. The stadium is huge and very nice. A large crowd fits in it. Bruno Spengler and I familiarized ourselves with the planned safety gaps and radii of the corners. In the meantime concrete barriers have been erected at the places where the traffic cones were during the test. Now we’ll probably be braking two or three meters earlier … But that’s perfectly normal as such tracks don’t forgive any mistakes. The most important thing is that the spectators will enjoy it and can watch the cars well. We’ll probably also be doing many donuts.

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

• As a three-time winner of the Race of Champions, is familiar with stadium events
• Will celebrate his 33rd birthday shortly before the event

To win in Munich you need a good set-up. Only then can you drive without making mistakes. If you’re successful on the first day then you’ll also cover the longest distance. So the first heats are the most important ones. That makes the second day successful too. I’m looking forward to the event.

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

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

We’re all very excited about going to Munich because it’ll be a head-to-head race between two contenders. That’ll be a very close situation. The difficulty is to get the brakes and tires to work well in such a short time. That increases the risk of making a mistake. It’ll be a great challenge for the drivers. And also for the spectators who are really eager to see this. It’ll be a tremendous spectacle.

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

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

Although I don’t really have an idea yet of what we’ll be in for there I’m already looking forward to running in Munich. Naturally, I’ve talked with some of the other drivers who have previously contested the Race of Champions, which is quite similar. It’ll probably be good fun and a spectacular event for the fans. And of course it’s nice to be racing so close to Audi’s headquarters. And the Olympic Stadium is very special anyway. The fans can get very close to the cars. That’ll be a fantastic show.

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

• Was the best DTM rookie in 2010
• Has not scored any points in the first half of the 2011 season

This will be an entertaining race format for sure. I’ve never run at such an event before. I want to enjoy it. But obviously we also want to show a good sporting performance and experience a successful race weekend.

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

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

I’ve got no plan as to what to expect there. How exactly the track at the Olympic Stadium will have to be driven and what lines will work there I don’t know yet. But I’m absolutely sure that it’ll be a nice event for the people in front of their TV sets and on location. I hope that we’ll be able to offer them a nice show for their money and that there’ll be no accidents.

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

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

We’ll no doubt have a lot of fun. I’m eager to see what it’s like to drive on the track in a DTM car. For the people in the stadium the sound will be fantastic for sure. I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be a relaxed, unique atmosphere. Still, we’re ambitious too. We want to win even though I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ll let myself be surprised and will try to prepare as best I can.

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

• In third place of the standings is the best driver of a current A4 DTM this season
• Is one of just four drivers who have scored points at every round in 2011

I’m particularly looking forward to Munich because this will be a very special event at this arena – and I believe that such concepts have good prospects for the future. It’ll be a totally different event from anything we’ve ever had. I like the idea of going to the fans in the middle of the city. I have a bit of stadium experience from the Stockcar Crash Challenge and other events where you drive in the middle of 40,000, 50,000 or 60,000 spectators. I hope that we can bring a little of this stadium atmosphere that everyone knows from soccer into the DTM as well. Then we’ll be seeing drivers in high spirits who may go beyond the limit. Although there’ll be no points, everyone wants to win. We’ll probably be seeing spectacular scenes with donuts and all the trimmings. We don’t know exactly what to expect but we’re incredibly excited and I’m hoping to be the one to start the first Mexican wave in the stands.

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

• Celebrated his 20th podium position in the DTM in Nuremberg
• As the runner-up after the first half of the season is the best Audi driver

I’m happy that in Munich the Olympic Stadium was selected as the venue. That’ll be a fantastic thing! Especially because it’s a new race format. The knockout system has already acquired a certain prestige in the paddock. I haven’t met anyone yet who’s not looking forward to it. Driving at the Olympic Stadium like in a bowl is a fascinating situation. And the fact that it’s in my native Bavaria makes it even better.

The Audi drivers in the 2011 DTM

Filipe Albuquerque (P): * Jun 13, 1985 in Coimbra (P); residence: Coimbra (P) single; height: 1.74 m; weight: 64 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 5; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 8th place); fastest laps: 0; points: 1; DTM titles: 0.

Mattias Ekström (S): * Jul 14, 1978 in Falun (S); residence: Salenstein (CH); single (partner Heidi), one son (Mats); height: 1.83 m; weight: 77 kg; Audi driver since 1999; DTM races: 109; pole positions: 16; victories: 14; fastest laps: 11; points: 493; DTM titles: 2 (2004, 2007).

Rahel Frey (CH): * Feb 23, 1986 in Niederbipp (CH); residence: Aedermannsdorf (CH); single; height: 1.63 m; weight: 50 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 5; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 15th place) fastest laps: 0; points: 0; DTM titles: 0.

Oliver Jarvis (GB): * Jan 09, 1984 in Burwell (GB); residence: Ermatingen (CH); single; height: 1.80 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2008; DTM races: 37; pole positions: 1; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 0; points: 51; DTM titles: 0.

Miguel Molina (E): * Feb 17, 1989 in Girona (E); residence: Lloret de Mar (E); single; height: 1.75 m; weight: 62 kg; Audi driver since 2010; DTM races: 16; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 4th place); fastest laps: 1; points: 15; DTM titles: 0.

Edoardo Mortara (I/F): * Jan 12, 1987 in Geneva (CH); residence: Geneva (CH); single; height: 1.82 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 5; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 5th place); fastest laps: 0; points: 7; DTM titles: 0.

Mike Rockenfeller (D): * Oct 31, 1983 in Neuwied (D); residence: Altnau (CH); single; height: 1.75 m; weight: 67 kg; Audi driver since 2007; DTM races: 46; pole positions: 0; victories: 1; fastest laps: 2; points: 57; DTM titles: 0.

Timo Scheider (D): * Nov 11, 1978 in Lahnstein (D); residence: Lochau (A); single (partner Jessica), one son (Loris); height: 1.78 m; weight: 74 kg; Audi driver since 2006; DTM races: 114; pole positions: 9; victories: 6; fastest laps: 7; points: 343; DTM titles: 2 (2008, 2009).

Martin Tomczyk (D): * Dec 07, 1981 in Rosenheim (D); residence: Aesch/Basel (CH); single (partner Christina); height: 1.88 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2001; DTM races: 108; pole positions: 8; victories: 6; fastest laps: 5; points: 285; DTM titles: 0.

2011 DTM point standings

1 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz) 39 points
2 Martin Tomczyk (Audi A4 DTM) 36 points
3 Timo Scheider (Audi A4 DTM) 24 points
4 Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz) 21 points
5 Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes-Benz) 17 points
6 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi A4 DTM) 14 points
7 Mattias Ekström (Audi A4 DTM) 11 points
8 Oliver Jarvis (Audi A4 DTM) 10 points
9 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) 9 points
10 Edoardo Mortara (Audi A4 DTM) 7 points
11 Maro Engel (Mercedes-Benz) 3 points
12 Tom Kristensen (Audi A4 DTM) 2 points
13 David Coulthard (Mercedes-Benz) 1 point
14 Filipe Albuquerque (Audi A4 DTM) 1 point

2011 DTM season interim statistics

Victories: Mercedes-Benz 2; Audi 3
Pole positions: Mercedes-Benz 4; Audi 1
Fastest laps: Mercedes-Benz 3; Audi 2
Leading laps: Mercedes-Benz 135; Audi 98

Audi DTM statistics

Pole positions: 59
Victories: 57
Fastest laps: 49
Champion’s titles: 7 (1990, 1991, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009)

Timetable

Saturday, July 16
10:35–11:45 Race of Marques, prologue (3 laps)
13:10–14:05 Race of Marques, eighth-final (3 laps)
14:20–14:50 Race of Marques, quarter-final (4 laps)
17:15–17:30 Race of Marques, semi-final (4 laps)
17:35–17:50 Race of Marques, final (2 rounds of 5 laps each)

Sunday, July 17
10:00–10:30 Warm-up
12:45–13:35 Eighth-final (3 laps)
13:55–14:25 Quarter-final (4 laps)
14:35–14:50 Semi-final (4 laps)
15:00–15:15 Final (2 rounds of 5 laps each)

TV schedule (ARD live)

Saturday, July 16
13:30–15:00 Uhr Race of Marques

Sunday, July 17
14:00–15:25 Race

• From position ten to three in the rain in Nuremberg
• Early race stop deprives Audi of chance for victory
• Four Audi A4 DTM cars score points at “home round”

The dream of achieving victory at its “home round” on the Norisring did not come true for Audi this year either. Still, the squad around Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich had good reasons to be happy with its performance at the fifth round of the 2011 DTM season and another podium result for Martin Tomczyk (Audi Sport Team Phoenix).

Audi again came very close to clinching the long awaited victory at the Norisring. But this time the weather thwarted the plans of the brand with the four rings. After the race had already been started behind the safety car due to heavy rain it was stopped early after 64 of 82 laps because there was too much water on the track.

“This was a safety decision that was absolutely okay,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich after the rain battle in Nuremberg. “But we would have liked to have moved a bit farther to the front. And that would have been possible too as our cars were very quick in the rain.”

In the first half of the race Mattias Ekström in particular made the many Audi fans around the 2.3-kilometer city street circuit dream of an Audi victory. After the safety car had left the track the Swede from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline put pressure on the three leading Mercedes. When the rain became heavier and heavier toward the race’s midpoint Ekström in a thrilling duel with Jamie Green temporarily even took the lead in front of a cheering crowd of fans.

However, problems with radio communications and a set of tires that was not working optimally caused Ekström to lose a lot of ground in the crucial phase between lap 47 and lap 58. When the safety car was deployed again when the conditions increasingly deteriorated the Swede was only in seventh place any more. Ekström remained on this position as the race was stopped by red flags behind the safety car when 75 percent of the distance had been completed and was not restarted.

Whereas Mattias Ekström was deeply disappointed with the outcome Martin Tomczyk had reason to cheer. The Bavarian who lives in Switzerland pushed forward to third place after having started from position ten on the grid, which made him the best Audi driver for the third time in a row. Halfway through the season Tomczyk is the runner-up in the standings, ranking just three points behind Bruno Spengler.

“My A4 was already brilliant to drive in the rain during warm-up this morning,” said Tomczyk. “It was a reasonable decision to stop the race. But had the race not been stopped I might have even been able to attack the front runners toward the end.”

This applied as well to Timo Scheider (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline) and Edoardo Mortara (Audi Sport Team Rosberg) both of whose speed was similar to Tomczyk’s and who were running on positions four and five when the race was stopped. Scheider, who like some other drivers, made his two mandatory pit stops in short succession, consolidated his third place in the standings. Edoardo Mortara achieved the best result in his still young DTM career.

In total, four Audi drivers scored points in front of 124,000 spectators (throughout the weekend). They did not include Miguel Molina, Mike Rockenfeller, Oliver Jarvis, Filipe Albuquerque and Rahel Frey on positions twelve, 14, 15, 16 and 17.

In just two weeks from now the DTM will visit Bavaria again: At the Munich Olympic Stadium the show race will be held on July 16/17.

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport)

Overall, it was a good race for us. We chose an aggressive strategy. It worked out particularly in Martin’s (Tomczyk) case. You could see that we were able to show a good performance in the rain. If the race had lasted a few laps longer we could have achieved even more. But it was absolutely right to deploy the safety car in the heavy rain – it would have been too dangerous otherwise.

Martin Tomczyk (Schaeffler Audi A4 DTM), 3rd place

Boy was that wet! And my car was simply superb – as the times have shown. When the pit stops started I didn’t even know which position I was on. The water spray was so heavy that I simply drove my laps. The decision to stop the race was clearly right. There was too much water on the track and we had hydroplaning. Naturally, third place after starting from position ten is outstanding. It couldn’t have worked out any better than this. I’m happy.

Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi A4 DTM), 4th place

My race was quite okay. I had a decent start. And I think we had a good strategy. At the second pit stop we again used the first set of tires. That was definitely good. But then there was a lot of rain and that hurt us a bit. My thanks go to the guys for having done a flawless job. We kept the car on track, which was one of the most difficult tasks today.

Edoardo Mortara (Playboy Audi A4 DTM), 5th place

Fantastic! I’m very pleased for the whole team and for Audi. I enjoy a lot of backing and good support. The race was pretty difficult today. But considering that, it went pretty well. In the end I finished fifth and that allowed us to score many points. Of course that’s good. The rain was very heavy today. I could hardly see any further than the windshield. In addition, there was fog on the windows. So there was a certain danger.

Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM), 7th place

That was a very disappointing race end. I had the feeling that we had a good car. When the pit stops started and the rain was getting heavier everything went wrong for us. It’s simply disappointing to go home with two points when you’re in contention for a podium place.

Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM), 12th place

The race was difficult. After a collision my car was damaged. The driver’s door opened. The guys repaired that during the stop but the aerodynamics were still impaired. It wasn’t easy to finish the race. Then the rain was getting heavier and heavier. In the end I finished in eleventh place – yet again …

Mike Rockenfeller (E-POSTBRIEF Audi A4 DTM), 14th place

The conditions were certainly difficult. But after a good warm-up session I thought we had a chance to move forward in the race. In some of the phases our lap times were pretty good. But the rest of the time I was just part of the pack and couldn’t achieve anything. That was disappointing here. We’ve got to close the book on it now. The Norisring is over and we’re concentrating on the next race.

Oliver Jarvis (Audi Sport performance cars A4 DTM), 15th place

A disaster for me. The whole weekend we were fast. But in the race everything that could go wrong went wrong. There was an incident of contact with Miguel Molina that I want to watch on TV first before judging the situation. I was at the apex of the corner and had the impression that I’d left a lot of room for him. Still, we touched and I spun.

Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A4 DTM), 16th place

Unfortunately, this was an absolutely bad weekend for me. I wasn’t fast enough and didn’t know the track either. That was a difficult test, and in a series like the DTM at that. Qualifying had already been fair to middling, but the race was even worse. Due to the rain it was chaotic for everyone. The only positive thing I’m taking with me is the fact that I finished.

Rahel Frey (Glamour Audi A4 DTM), 17th place

I drove a lonely race, but it’s been a good experience. It was my first wet race in the DTM. The Phoenix crew has again given me fantastic support today. We finished the race and were able to gather experiences. That was the most important thing in these difficult conditions.

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline):

The conditions were irregular. I feel that for safety reasons it was absolutely right to stop the race. Of course it was a shame for the large crowd that the weather was bad because the Norisring is normally a really great event. For us as a team and for the drivers it was a very difficult race today as well.

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix):

In such weather anything is always possible. But that it worked out this well! Shortly before the safety car period we were running in third place and remained there. Obviously, that’s a dream. We’re on podium again and remain very far at the front of the championship. We may have lost first place but we’ll recapture it at the Nürburgring at our home round. Rahel (Frey) drove really good lap times in the race. She’s making progress. That pleases me too.

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg):

This was a very entertaining and thrilling race. We stopped very early and Edo (Mortara) was able to set very good times when the track was clear. The strategy was perfect. He drove a sensational race. I’m overjoyed. I want to thank the squad! Filipe (Albuquerque) drove his first race at the Norisring. We’ve got to chalk this up to experience.

[Source: Audi-Motorsport]