AUDI IN THE DTM: 'WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS'
March 27, 2015 by Audi Motorsport![AUDI IN THE DTM: 'WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS'](images/articleimages/audi-dtm_champions-2015-01-400.jpg)
Trending News• Trans Am SpeedTour Returns to Road America, June 28-30
• Barrett-Jackson Revs Up Excitement for 2024 Scottsdale Fall Auction with Future Collector Car Show, Sunday, October 13
• Hyundai Wins Two Favorite Vehicle Awards From Midwest Automotive Media Association
• Wrap it Up! The All-new, All-Electric 2024 Jeep® Wagoneer S Launch Edition Takes Center Stage on Stellantis NA Headquarters in Michigan
• Dark Horse R drivers set for 2025 Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational
These are entirely the sentiments of Mattias Ekström too, who during winter tests in Finland recently had the opportunity to extensively test the Audi RS 3.* At the moment, however, the family man and father of two relies on an Audi Q7.* ''I enjoy driving – and the Q7 is a perfect travel car for the family, which my children love as well,'' says the Swede. In the DTM, driving is what Mattias Ekström loves doing most, too. That is why he is particularly pleased that there will be two qualifying sessions and two races on each of the nine DTM weekends this year. ''That''s exactly the right step for the DTM,'' the Audi driver is convinced. ''Because in 18 races you can afford to make a mistake now and then everybody will be attacking more and driving less conservatively. It''s going to be neck or nothing on Saturday and Sunday. The fans will be seeing even more tough duels and in qualifying there'll be traffic jam news like those on the Antenne Bayern radio channel ...'' Mike Rockenfeller is convinced that fans will get their money''s worth in 2015 as well. ''Qualifying calls for maximum performance. The two races offer a good mix: a little shorter on Saturday and a little longer on Sunday with a pit stop. That also means the teams have got to continue doing a perfect job. We''ve only got four sets of tires for two qualifying sessions and two races – that means you've got to manage them well.'' Rockenfeller believes that the field in 2015 will become even closer. ''Due to the technology freeze none of the manufacturers has been able to make a major step forwards or backwards. We''ve always had an extremely tight field in the DTM but this year it's going to be even more extreme. There are 24 drivers on the grid. Every one of them can be at the front, every one of them can win races and every one of them can win the Championship. That characterizes the DTM. And that doesn't exist anywhere else in the world.'' His team-mate Timo Scheider prepared for the challenges of the new DTM season by competing in the Cape Epic event in South Africa. ''This is the world''s toughest mountain bike race with 1,200 entrants and it's really extreme,'' the Audi driver relates with shining eyes. ''I survived this challenge and can only say: when it comes to sports I no longer fear anything.'' He is equally excited about the new race format as Mattias Ekström and Mike Rockenfeller. ''There are many questions before the first race weekend at Hockenheim for which there are no answers yet,'' he says. ''We''re hoping that our experience will help and that we're perfectly set, although it''s clear that there isn't a single driver in the DTM who has to fear another driver. Anyone who has made it into the DTM absolutely deserves their place.'' One thing is clear: There's no champion's bonus in the DTM – not even within the Audi squad. The brand with the four rings has the only unchanged driver line-up versus last year. ''This,'' says Dieter Gass, Head of DTM at Audi Sport, ''is something I rate as an advantage for Audi. We''re really excited about the new season.'' Tickets for the season opener at Hockenheim that will feature the new new Audi Sport TT Cup and the FIA World Rallycross Championship as well, are available on the internet at www.audi-motorsport.com.
posted on conceptcarz.com
Previous post
GOODYEAR NAMES 32ND HIGHWAY HERO
Related Posts
Recent Posts
- Trans Am SpeedTour Returns to Road America, June 28-30
- Barrett-Jackson Revs Up Excitement for 2024 Scottsdale Fall Auction with Future Collector Car Show, Sunday, October 13
- Hyundai Wins Two Favorite Vehicle Awards From Midwest Automotive Media Association
- Wrap it Up! The All-new, All-Electric 2024 Jeep® Wagoneer S Launch Edition Takes Center Stage on Stellantis NA Headquarters in Michigan
- Dark Horse R drivers set for 2025 Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational