DTM: Strong four days of official DTM testing for Audi at the Hungaroring

By Johan Laubscher

The DTM hosted the official ITR test days at the Hungaroring in Budapest this week. It was a four day test which began on Monday and came to a close on Thursday. All three of the DTM manufactures were present for testing.

Audi Sport arrived with four new 2014 Audi RS 5 DTM cars and all eight of its drivers. The four cars each came from the four (three) entered teams: Audi Sport Team Phoenix, Audi Sport Team Rosberg, Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline and Audi Sport Team Abt (latter two teams both run by ABT Sportsline).

The liveries of the four cars were also revealed at the tests, the cars of Mattias Ekström, Timo Scheider, Miguel Molina and Jamie Green.

The Audi Sport drivers alternated in their team cars during the four days of testing.

Monday kicked off well for the Audi squad, as the day ended with the four Audi RS 5 DTM cars topping the time sheets, a 1-2-3-4 lead by Miguel Molina. Tuesday again saw Audi on top, this time with new Audi DTM rookie, Nico Müller, ahead of Mattias Ekström. Wednesday saw Mercedes Benz’s Christian Vietoris setting the best time, with the fastest Audi driver being Adrien Tambay in sixth. The four days of testing concluded on Thursday. Christian Vietoris was the fastest driver on Thursday. Edoardo Mortara was the fastest Audi on the final day, fourth.

Nico Müller set the fastest Audi time at the Hungaroring this week, his 1:37.505 from Tuesday afternoon. The Audi Sport squad totaled 7154 km of testing with 1633 laps competed during the four days of testing. Official DTM testing will resume at Hockenheim from 14-17 April.

The 2014 DTM season will be kicking off with the first round at Hockenheim on 4 May.

Monday morning results:
1st Jamie Green (GBR) Audi RS 5 DTM 1:38.200 minutes
2nd Adrien Tambay (FRA) Audi RS5 DTM 1:38.518
3rd Miguel Molina (ESP) Audi RS5 DTM 1:38.531
4th Bruno Spengler (CAN) BMW M4 DTM 1:39.242
5th Mike Rockenfeller (DEU) Audi RS5 DTM 1:39.547
6th Maxime Martin (BEL) BMW M4 DTM 1:39.655
7th Antonio Felix da Costa (PRT) BMW M4 DTM 1:39.666
8th Joey Hand (USA) BMW M4 DTM 1:39.748
9th Paul Di Resta (GBR) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:40.383
10th Gary Paffett (GBR) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:40.434
11th Vitaly Petrov (RUS) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:40.741

Monday afternoon and overall results:

1st Miguel Molina (ESP) Audi RS 5 DTM 1:37.792 minutes

2nd Jamie Green (GBR) Audi RS 5 DTM 1:38.200

3rd Adrien Tambay (FRA) Audi RS 5 DTM 1:38.518

4th Mike Rockenfeller (DEU) Audi RS 5 DTM 1:38.842

5th Bruno Spengler (CAN) BMW M4 DTM 1:39.242

6th Maxime Martin (BEL) BMW M4 DTM 1:39.549

7th Antonio Felix da Costa (PRT) BMW M4 DTM 1:39.666

8th Joey Hand (USA) BMW M4 DTM 1:39.679

9th Paul Di Resta (GBR) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:40.383

10th Gary Paffett (GBR) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:40.434

11th Vitaly Petrov (RUS) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:40.741

Tuesday morning results:
1st Antonio Felix da Costa (PRT) BMW M4 DTM 1:38.190 minutes
2nd Nico Müller (CHE) Audi RS 5 DTM 1:38.308
3rd Bruno Spengler (CAN) BMW M4 DTM 1:38.458
4th Mattias Ekström (SWE) Audi RS5 DTM 1:38.569
5th Edoardo Mortara (ITA) Audi RS5 DTM 1:38.796
6th Marco Wittmann (DEU) BMW M4 DTM 1:38.905
7th Vitaly Petrov (RUS) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:39.134
8th Gary Paffett (GBR) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:39.413
9th Timo Scheider (DEU) Audi RS5 DTM 1:39.419
10th Paul Di Resta (GBR) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:39.812
11th Joey Hand (USA) BMW M4 DTM 1:39.910
12th Pascal Wehrlein (DEU) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:40.028

Tuesday afternoon and overall results:

Testing times, Tuesday, 1st April, day two completed:

1st Nico Müller (CHE) Audi RS 5 DTM 1:37.505 minutes

2nd Mattias Ekström (SWE) Audi RS5 DTM 1:37.912

3rd Gary Paffett (GBR) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:37.927

4th Paul Di Resta (GBR) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:38,121

5th Marco Wittmann (DEU) BMW M4 DTM 1:38.160

6th Antonio Felix da Costa (PRT) BMW M4 DTM 1:38,168

7th Joey Hand (USA) BMW M4 DTM 1:38.286

8th Bruno Spengler (CAN) BMW M4 DTM 1:38.458

9th Vitaly Petrov (RUS) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:38.781

10th Edoardo Mortara (ITA) Audi RS5 DTM 1:38.796

11th Timo Scheider (DEU) Audi RS5 DTM 1:39.054

12th Pascal Wehrlein (DEU) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:39.826

Wednesday morning results:
1st Adrien Tambay (FRA) Audi RS5 DTM 1:38.014 minutes
2nd Miguel Molina (ESP) Audi RS5 DTM 1:38.187
3rd Nico Müller (CHE) Audi RS 5 DTM 1:38.408
4th Augusto Farfus (BRA) BMW M4 DTM 1:38.618
5th Marco Wittmann (DEU) BMW M4 DTM 1:38.779
6th Timo Scheider (DEU) Audi RS5 DTM 1:38.813
7th Timo Glock (DEU) BMW M4 DTM 1:38.835
8th Martin Tomczyk (DEU) BMW M4 DTM 1:39.057
9th Robert Wickens (CAN) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:39.255
10th Christian Vietoris (DEU) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:39.342
11th Pascal Wehrlein (DEU) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:39.408
12th Daniel Juncadella (ESP) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:39.542

Wednesday afternoon and overall results:

1st Christian Vietoris (DEU) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:37.461 minutes

2nd Marco Wittmann (DEU) BMW M4 DTM 1:37.837

3rd Timo Glock (DEU) BMW M4 DTM 1:37.861

4th Augusto Farfus (BRA) BMW M4 DTM 1:37.895

5th Pascal Wehrlein (DEU) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:38.002

6th Adrien Tambay (FRA) Audi RS5 DTM 1:38.014

7th Nico Müller (CHE) Audi RS 5 DTM 1:38.069

8th Timo Scheider (DEU) Audi RS5 DTM 1:38.167

9th Miguel Molina (ESP) Audi RS5 DTM 1:38.187

10th Martin Tomczyk (DEU) BMW M4 DTM 1:38.417

11th Robert Wickens (CAN) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:38.901

12th Daniel Juncadella (ESP) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:39.437

Thursday morning results:

1st Edoardo Mortara (ITA) Audi RS5 DTM 1:37.806 minutes
2nd Mattias Ekström (SWE) Audi RS5 DTM 1:38.191
3rd Jamie Green (GBR) Audi RS 5 DTM 1:38.549
4th Daniel Juncadella (ESP) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:38.560
5th Robert Wickens (CAN) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:38.579
6th Mike Rockenfeller (DEU) Audi RS5 DTM 1:38.612
7th Augusto Farfus (BRA) BMW M4 DTM 1:38.630
8th Christian Vietoris (DEU) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:38.932
9th Martin Tomczyk (DEU) BMW M4 DTM 1:38.933
10th Timo Glock (DEU) BMW M4 DTM 1:39.049
11th Maxime Martin (BEL) BMW M4 DTM 1:39.146

Thursday afternoon and overall results:
1. Christian Vietoris (DEU) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:37,620 minutes
2. Augusto Farfus (BRA) BMW M4 DTM 1:37,640
3. Maxime Martin (BEL) BMW M4 DTM 1:37,733
4. Edoardo Mortara (ITA) Audi RS5 DTM 1:37,806
5. Mike Rockenfeller (DEU) Audi RS5 DTM 1:37,842
6. Daniel Juncadella (ESP) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:38,122
7. Mattias Ekström (SWE) Audi RS5 DTM 1:38,191
8. Robert Wickens (CAN) DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé 1:38,252
9. Miguel Molina (ESP) Audi RS 5 DTM 1:38,279
10. Timo Glock (DEU) BMW M4 DTM 1:38,289
11. Jamie Green (GBR) Audi RS 5 DTM 1:38,455
12. Martin Tomczyk (DEU) BMW M4 DTM 1:38,933

Testing results sourced from DTM.com

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

DTM: Hoffmann Group new DTM partner of Audi

Audi Press Release

•                                 Jamie Green to compete sporting the colors of the Munich company
•                                 Europe’s leading system partner for quality tools in eager anticipation
•                                 Graphics to be unveiled at official test in Budapest

Ingolstadt, March 28, 2014 – Audi and the Hoffmann Group are adding color to the DTM. When the new season starts another round on May 4, Jamie Green in an Audi RS 5 DTM sporting conspicuous graphics will be one of the eye-catchers at Hockenheim. By teaming up with Europe’s leading system partner for quality tools, Audi can rely on another strong partner. 

2,500 employees, a partner in nearly 50 countries and more than 135,000 customers worldwide: The Hoffmann Group headquartered in Munich is a leading system partner for quality tools. With a portfolio of more than 55,000 quality tools, the company combines trading, manufacturing and service expertise. This season sees the Hoffmann Group starting as a partner of Audi in the DTM, with its logo being featured on Jamie Green’s Audi RS 5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Rosberg.



“We’re delighted to have another strong partner on board this season in the Hoffmann Group,” says Dieter Gass, Head of DTM at Audi Sport. “I’m sure that the employees around the globe will soon become big DTM fans and support us. The livery of Jamie’s car sets an initial visual exclamation mark.”

“Technology and tools play an important part in the DTM. That’s why it’s an ideal environment for us as Europe’s leading system partner for quality tools. Audi and the Hoffmann Group share the same high claim to quality and precision as well as a passion for the things we do,” says Christian Freitag, Head of Marketing at the Hoffmann Group. “The motorsport cooperation with Audi in the DTM strengthens the global visibility of the Hoffmann Group. It provides us with even greater attention and enhances the attractiveness of the brand in Germanyand other important markets such as China, Russia, Austria and Hungary,” Christian Freitag adds.

The bright orange livery will be celebrating its debut at the first official ITR test to be held in Budapestfrom March 31 to April 3. All eight Audi drivers will participate in the tests in Hungary’s capital.

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

DTM: Eager anticipation of DTM home round at Norisring

Audi Press Release 

•          Audi driver Mike Rockenfeller travels to Nuremberg as leader of the standings
•          Newcomer Jamie Green with best Norisring tally of all drivers
•          Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen supports Audi team

Ingolstadt/Nuremberg, July 5, 2013 – A full grandstand made of stone, thousands of Audi flags and a unique atmosphere between the Dutzendteich lake and the paddock: The entire Audi team is looking forward to the DTM home round with eager anticipation. With a strong performance by the whole squad the drivers and teams are aiming to bring Audi’s first victory at the Norisring since 2002 home to Ingolstadt.

Only 75 kilometers, as the crow flies, separate the Audi headquarters in Ingolstadt and the race track in the heart of Nuremberg. Accordingly, there is a large fan community of employees and followers who support the Audi line-up year after year. In 2013, the Audi Sport Teams Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg are leaving no stone unturned to give the ‘Audians’ a good reason to celebrate on Sunday.



The last Audi victory at the Norisring was clinched by Laurent Aiello in June 2002. His duel with DTM record champion Bernd Schneider across the entire race distance of 44 laps back then is still regarded as one of the most spectacular races in DTM history and ended in an advantage of 0.197 seconds. Although Mattias Ekström and Timo Scheider mounted the podium six times since then, another victory has not been clinched there to date. Newcomer Jamie Green is bringing four triumphs to the squad at the only city street race on the DTM calendar. The Briton won in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012, thus acquiring the nickname ‘Mister Norisring.’

At the Norisring in particular, the Drag Reduction System (DRS), which allows the angle of the rear wing to be flattened by pushing a button on the steering wheel, will be an important factor in the battle for victory. Especially at the end of the long start-finish straight, the race drivers when braking into the Grundig turn have an ideal opportunity for overtaking. The option tires, which may only be used during the race, provide the strategists with another thrilling tactical tool. As the race track, which only has a length of 2.3 kilometers, uses roads with different types of asphalt and concrete surfaces that are normally open to regular traffic tires are a particularly interesting topic.

The Audi squad will be enjoying prominent support in a spirit of friendship by Tom Kristensen. The Le Mans record winner, who just won the legendary 24-hour race in France for the ninth time, is visiting his brand colleagues at the Norisring. Kristensen himself competed in the DTM from 2004 to 2009 and finished all of his six races in Nuremberg in the top eight. On the weekend, the Dane will be driving his Le Mans winning car, the Audi R18 e-tron quattro, across the race track for a few demo laps. 


Tickets for all DTM races of the 2013 season are available at www.audi-motorsport.com/dtm. Fans in many countries of the world can watch qualifying and the race live on the DTM’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/dtmint live. A total of 39 TV channels air live DTM coverage in 141 countries.

In Germany, as usual, ARD will broadcast live on “Das Erste:” Qualifying on Saturday (July 13) starting at 14:30, the race on Sunday (July 14) starting at 13:15.

Quotes by the officials

Dieter Gass (Head of DTM): “It’s a nice feeling to travel to the Norisring as the leader of the standings. All the fans and employees who support us on location always make a race there very special for us, so my wish is for us to be able to clinch the corresponding, positive result. I’m not only focused on Jamie (Green) with his past Norisring victories in this respect. We’ve got a strong team in general and will try and get as many of our guys as possible to the far front of the field.”

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “For us as a Bavarian team, the race at the Norisring naturally is the pinnacle of the season. Our strong wish is to finally give something back to all the fans and supporters. With Jamie (Green) in the team we’ve got a proven Norisring expert in our ranks who may be able to give our squad the crucial impulse in the right direction.”

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “With Mike (Rockenfeller) we’re traveling to the Norisring as the leader of the standings. Audi’s big aim for years has been to finally win here again – and that’s our big aim again this weekend. We know that in terms of speed we’ve got what it takes to do so.”

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): “The summer break was long enough. Our whole squad is now looking forward to the round in the ‘German Monaco.’ If it were up to me, Edo (Mortara) or Filipe (Albuquerque) would be the drivers to end Audi’s long barren spell there.”

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

Filipe Albuquerque (28/P), Audi Financial Services RS 5 DTM #6 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
• Contested a round of the GRAND-AM Series in the Audi R8 during the break
• Is competing in his third DTM season in the same team with the same team-mate
“While in 2012 I often finished in the points the 2013 season has been disappointing for me so far. No matter where I start from – I always end up at the far rear. We’re going to give everything to make sure this will soon change again. The Norisring is a very unusual track – so it may be a good venue for the tables to turn.”

Mattias Ekström (34/S), Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM #11 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
• Was on podium at the Norisring five times before
• Is celebrating his 35th birthday on race Sunday
“My aim is victory. Following a strong qualifying performance, winning the race again for the first time in many years was in our hands last year. But after the first lap of the race it was all over due to a collision. That’s why I’d like to repeat the Saturday this year and am wishing for a smooth race on Sunday. I’m very much looking forward to the Norisring.”

Jamie Green (31/GB), Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM #12 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
• Won at the Norisring in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012
• At the Lausitzring, scored his first points as an Audi driver
“The characteristics of the Norisrings can’t be compared with any other race track. That’s why it’s difficult to make a prediction about the relative strengths. Naturally, I’ve got a special relationship with this race. But even though I’ve won there four times that’s no guarantee for anything – especially not in the DTM. Before and on the weekend, I’ll be working just as hard as always, prepare myself and set up the car.”

Miguel Molina (24/E), Audi RS 5 DTM #20 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
• Will be advertising the 2013 Audi Cup again on his Audi RS 5 DTM
• Is increasingly improving his German due to his second residence in Adenau
“It’s been a long time that Audi has won this race. We’re going to give everything to be successful at the home round. We know that we can do it. But we must try and put all the pieces of the puzzle together on a single weekend. We had a bit of time to take a breather and are now traveling to the Norisring with top motivation.”

Edoardo Mortara (26/F/I), Playboy Audi RS 5 DTM #5 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
• With his victories in Macau, is regarded as an expert for city street circuits
• Contested a round of the GRAND-AM Series in the Audi R8
“After a personally successful season in 2012, it’s hard now having to battle for each single point. At the Lausitzring, we took a step in the right direction. Now I’m hoping for us to be able to continue this way at the Norisring.”

Mike Rockenfeller (29/D), Schaeffler Audi RS 5 DTM #19 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
• Is traveling to the Norisring as the leader of the standings with the same points score as Bruno Spengler
• Is the only Audi driver to have won a race in the 2013 season so far
“As the only city street circuit on the calendar, the Norisring is something very special. We’ve got a lot of fans there who keep their fingers crossed for us every year. I’m hoping that we’ll finally be able to live up to their expectations. Mercedes-Benz has traditionally been very strong in Nuremberg but this time the cards have been reshuffled, also thanks to the option tires and DRS. We’re not necessarily the favorites, but we’re going to attack.”

Timo Scheider (34/D), AUTO TEST Audi RS 5 DTM #23 (Audi Sport Team Abt)
• On a visit to Moscow during the summer break, promoted the DTM race there
• Won the Audi Sailing Cup with his race engineer Markus Michelberger
“It’s almost incredible that at the Norisring we’re already at the season’s mid-point. I’m looking forward to the race, to the atmosphere between the narrow grandstands and above all to the many Audi fans who are supporting us. We’re traveling to Nuremberg with optimism and are going to give everything to clinch an Audi victory.”

Adrien Tambay (22/F), Audi ultra RS 5 DTM #24 (Audi Sport Team Abt) 
• Has only run once before in a DTM car at the Norisring
• Just barely missed scoring his first point in the 2013 season at the Lausitzring
“I’m looking forward to the Norisring because it’s not comparable with other race tracks. Before the DTM, I drove there in other racing categories. Even though I scored no points, I had good races at Spielberg and at the Lausitzring. Now the next step can follow: a good race and points!”

The Audi drivers in the 2013 DTM

Filipe Albuquerque (P): * June 13, 1985 in Coimbra (P); residence: Coimbra (P); single (partner Joana); height: 1.74 m; weight: 65 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 24; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 0; points: 35; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Norisring: 11 (2012)

Mattias Ekström (S): * July 14, 1978 in Falun (S); residence: Salenstein (CH); single (partner Heidi), one son (Mats); one daughter (Hanna); height: 1.83 m; weight: 79 kg; Audi driver since 1999; DTM races: 128; pole positions: 19; victories: 17; fastest laps: 12; points: 635; DTM titles: 2 (2004, 2007); best result DTM Norisring: 2 (2010)

Jamie Green (GB): * June 14, 1982 in Leicester (GB); residence: Monaco (MC); married to Ginny, two sons (Zachary and William); height: 1.78 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2013; DTM races: 87; pole positions: 6; victories: 8; fastest laps: 13; points: 371.5; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Norisring: 1 (2008/2009/2010/2012)

Miguel Molina (E): * February 17, 1989 in Barcelona (E); residence: Lloret de Mar (E); single; height: 1.75 m; weight: 64 kg; Audi driver since 2010; DTM races: 35; pole positions: 2; victories: 0 (best result: 3rd place); fastest laps: 1; points: 34; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Norisring: 12 (2011/2012)

Edoardo Mortara (F/I): * Jan 12, 1987 in Geneva (CH); residence: Geneva (CH); engaged; height: 1.82 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 24; pole positions: 1; victories: 2; fastest laps: 0; points: 105; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Norisring: 5 (2011)

Mike Rockenfeller (D): * Oct 31, 1983 in Neuwied (D); residence: Landschlacht (CH); single (partner Susanne); height: 1.75 m; weight: 68 kg; Audi driver since 2007; DTM races: 65; pole positions: 2; victories: 2; fastest laps: 3; points: 218; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Norisring: 6 (2012)

Timo Scheider (D): * Nov 10, 1978 in Lahnstein (D); residence: Lochau (A); single (partner Jessica), one son (Loris-Romeo); height: 1.78 m; weight: 72 kg; Audi driver since 2006; DTM races: 133; pole positions: 11; victories: 6; fastest laps: 9; points: 383; DTM titles: 2 (2008, 2009); best result DTM Norisring: 3 (2008)

Adrien Tambay (F): * Feb 25, 1991 in Paris (F); residence: Lochau (A); single; height: 1.81 m; weight: 69 kg; Audi driver since 2012; DTM races: 14; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 0; points: 28; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Norisring: 15 (2012)

DTM drivers’ standings after four of ten rounds
1 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) 59 points 
2 Bruno Spengler (BMW) 59 points
3 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) 47 points
4 Christian Vietoris (Mercedes-Benz) 40 points
5 Augusto Farfus (BMW) 33 points
6 Marco Wittmann (BMW) 32 points
7 Robert Wickens (Mercedes-Benz) 27 points
8 Dirk Werner (BMW) 22 points
9 Mattias Ekström (Audi) 20 points
10 Joey Hand (BMW) 16 points
11 Timo Glock (BMW) 15 points
12 Jamie Green (Audi) 10 points
13 Timo Scheider (Audi) 10 points
14 Daniel Juncadella (Mercedes-Benz) 8 points
15 Edoardo Mortara (Audi) 2 points
16 Pascal Wehrlein (Mercedes-Benz) 2 points
17 Roberto Merhi (Mercedes-Benz) 2 points

DTM manufacturers’ standings
1 BMW 177 points
2 Mercedes-Benz 126 points
3 Audi 101 points

DTM team standings
1 BMW Team Schnitzer 81 points
2 STIHL/AMG Mercedes 67 points
3 Audi Sport Team Phoenix 59 points
4 EURONICS/THOMAS SABO Mercedes AMG 49 points
5 BMW Team RBM 49 points
6 BMW Team MTEK 47 points
7 Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline 30 points
8 Audi Sport Team Abt 10 points
9 stern/AMG Mercedes 10 points
10 Audi Sport Team Rosberg 2 points

Audi DTM statistics (since 1990)

Champion’s titles: 8 (in 16 years)
Victories: 64 (in 202 races)
Pole positions: 69 (in 166 qualifying sessions)
Fastest laps: 55 (in 202 races)
Podium positions: 202 (in 202 races)

All Norisring winners since 2000

2000 Joachim Winkelhock (Opel), Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz)
2001 Uwe Alzen (Mercedes-Benz)
2002 Laurent Aiello (Abt-Audi)
2003 Christijan Albers (Mercedes-Benz)
2004 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)
2005 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)
2006 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz)
2007 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz)
2008 Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz)
2009 Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz)
2010 Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz)
2011 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz)
2012 Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz)

2012 flashback: Disappointment for Audi at home round

Following extreme heat on both days of practice and qualifying completely different conditions of rainy weather and cooler temperatures prevailed in Nuremberg on race day, which caused a major commotion right in the first turn. Mattias Ekström was pushed from behind into the car in front and had to park his Red Bull Audi A5 DTM, which had been the fastest Audi during the whole weekend, right after the first lap with a heavily damaged front end. Mike Rockenfeller was one of the few Audi drivers to make it through turn one unharmed but, due to a jammed wheel nut, lost valuable time at the first pit stop and in sixth place was ultimately the best Audi driver.

Track info

Track length: 2.300 km
Race distance: 83 laps = 190.900 km
DTM qualifying record on this track: Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz), June 28, 2008, 47.785s (173.276 km/h)
DTM race record on this track: Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz), June 29, 2008, 48.446s (170.912 km/h)
Pole position 2012: Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz),49.139s
Fastest lap 2012: Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz),54.451s (152.063 km/h)
Turnout 2012: 135,000
TV live rating 2012: 1.50 million/11.8 % market share (source: ARD)

Jamie Green about the Norisring: “On my first Norisring run I took two pole positions in Formula 3 and in the DTM I’ve won four times in front of this great crowd that always completely fills the grandstand at the start and finish. So obviously I’m getting along quite well there, despite the fact that the Norisring is a pretty strange track that isn’t the most enjoyable one to drive on. There are tracks and turns that are more fun. At the Norisring, it’s mainly about braking, slow turns and driving with little downforce in a way we don’t normally do in the DTM. Because there are only straights and slow turns you can follow the car in front of you more closely than in other DTM races and that’s why duels there are better than in other DTM races.”

Timetable

Friday, July 12
18:45–19:00 Roll-out

Saturday, July 13
09:05–10:35 Free practice
14:40–15:50 Qualifying

Sunday, July 14
08:55–09:35 Pit stop practice
13:30 Race

TV schedule (“Das Erste” live)

Saturday, July 13
14:30–16:00 Qualifying

Sunday, July 14
13:15–15:00 Race 

Photo credit: Audi Sport Communication / Media

Audi Sport Team Rosberg no longer the third team

By Tarek Ramchani

Team Rosberg has been racing with Audi as a factory team in the DTM since 2006. The team always used older specification Audi A4 DTM cars, with disappointing results most of the time.

Things have changes since 2011. Team Rosberg welcomed two young and fast drivers, who adapted quickly and really well to the demanding DTM. Portuguese driver Filipe Albuquerque who came from Audi Sport Italia and Italian Edoardo Mortara who came from the F3 single seater formula. Both drivers had a great debut in the German series during 2011. Mortara was on the podium twice and even better he won the non-championship event at Munich Olympic Stadium.

In 2012 Team Rosberg finally had the chance to use a brand new DTM racer, when Audi debuted the A5 DTM R17, an equal start for all three Audi factory teams. Overall the season was very difficult for Audi as a brand, but not for Team Rosberg. Edoardo Mortara won his first ever DTM victory at the Red Bull Ring, the first ever for Team Rosberg with Audi. Later in the year Edo won again at Zandvoort. He finished fifth in the championship. Filipe Albuquerque had a harder year but was always capable of taking points and fighting hard on track, Filipe ended the season in eleventh overall. Audi Sport Team Rosberg was classified fourth in the teams standings, and the best Audi team.

For 2013 both drivers will continue with Audi Sport Team Rosberg. The team is aiming very high for this year's competition in the DTM overall, but also within the Audi squad, to again be the top Audi team alongside Phoenix Racing and Abt Sportsline. The season opener is set for this weekend, at the Hockenheimring. Team Rosberg and their pair of Audi RS 5 DTM cars will try to prove again that they are no longer the third team at Audi.

Photo credit: Audi Media

DTM: A word from … Edoardo Mortara

Audi Press Release

You’ve just returned from a brief visit to Moscow to promote Audi and the DTM race there on August 4. What was your impression?

This was my first visit to Russia. It was really exciting to be standing on Red Square with the Audi A5 DTM. I was particularly surprised about the high interest of the media. Around 50 journalists were there and Mattias Ekström and I had to give a lot of interviews.

And how did the Russian fans respond to the Audi visit?

They were clearly thrilled. I haven’t signed such a large number of autographs as I did at this event in a long time.

Did you get the impression that the people in Moscow were familiar with the DTM at all?

Yes, absolutely. I think the people there have a great interest in motorsport. Their questions showed me that they definitely know the DTM and are paying attention to it. Of course, we’ve still got to explain the series in terms of its various specifications in more detail to the motorsport journalists and the fans. Mattias and I tried to communicate what our sport is all about as best we could.

What are your expectations of the DTM’s Russian debut this summer?

The track will be new for all of us, so there’s not much you can say about it at this point in time. But after my experiences during this brief visit I’m sure that the race will be a resounding success. The people are obviously very enthusiastic about motorsport. I’m already looking forward to running there. We’ll be doing everything we can to deliver a good show to them and to make the race a success for Audi. Generally speaking, I was very impressed with the hospitality and interest of the Russian people. I’m definitely expecting to see full grandstands at the race and am already excited about my next visit to this fascinating metropolis.

Photo credit: Audi Media

Edoardo Mortara clinches podium for Audi

Audi Press Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audi TV: Full highlights of DTM 2012 round 4 at Red Bull Ring

By Tarek Ramchani

Amazing weekend for Audi at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. First win for Edoardo Mortara, the young Italian started from pole position. First win for Team Rosberg in the DTM with Audi Sport. And the first win for the brand new Audi A5 DTM R17.

Enjoy the seventeen minutes full highlights from the Spielberg by Audi TV

More information:
Audi Sport official Facebook
Audi A5 DTM R17 on Facebook

Video: Full 2011 DTM season highlights, Audi champion

By Tarek Ramchani

The 2011 DTM season was a great and winning one for Audi Sport. The driver championship title for Martin Tomczyk and Audi Sport Team Phoenix. The teams title went to Audi Sport Team Abt. Mattias Ekstrom finishing in a strong second in the overall standing. A great ending to the successful Audi A4 R14 with no less than seven race victories, plus a non championship event victory.

Waiting for the 2012 opener and the new Audi A5 DTM R17, enjoy the full 2011 season highlights.

100 facts about Audi and the DTM

Audi Press Release

• Just one week to go before the new DTM season starts
• Items of interest about the popular touring car racing series
• Audi competes with new A5 DTM as title defender

On April 29, the DTM season opens at Hockenheim and Audi is starting into it as the title defender and eight-time champion. Here are 100 facts about Audi’s involvement in the most popular international touring car racing series.

Audi in the DTM

1. Audi has won a total of eight DTM titles to date.

2. 2012 marks the 17th DTM season tackled by Audi.

3. The brand with the four rings has so far contested 194 DTM races and won 61 of them. 64 times an Audi racer took the pole position and 53 times the fastest race lap to date was set by an Audi driver.

4. In 1990 and 1991, Audi was the first automobile manufacturer to achieve two consecutive DTM title wins.

5. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, Audi was the first – and has so far remained the only –automobile manufacturer to win the DTM title three times in succession.

6. The Audi V8 quattro won in 1990 at its seventh race, the A4 DTM in 2004 at its third race in the DTM.

7. For eight years, Audi in the most popular international touring car series was relying on its top seller, the A4, that took a total of five DTM titles (in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011).

8. The Audi A4 DTM clinched 34 of the 61 race wins achieved by Audi in the DTM.

9. There have been a total of seven different versions of the Audi A4 DTM: R11 (2004), R12 (2005), R12 plus (2006), R13 (2007), R13 plus (2008), R14 (2009) and R14 plus (2010).

10. From 2006 to 2011, Audi and Mercedes were battling for the DTM title between themselves. The final score: 4–2 for Audi.

11. From 2000 to 2003, the Audi brand was represented in the DTM by the customer team Abt Sportsline that privately fielded coupes based on the Audi TT,  and in 2002 won the title with Laurent Aiello.

Audi A5

12. The A5 DTM forms the new spearhead of the steadily growing A5 family and is based on the latest version of the coupe that can be recognized by its distinctive, wedge-shaped headlights since the most recent product upgrade in summer of 2011.

13. The A5 Coupé has been on the market since 2007, the Cabriolet and Sportback since 2009.

14. The modern engine line-up of the coupe ranges from the particularly fuel-efficient 2.0 TDI with 105 kW (143 hp) to the high-performance V8 with 331 kW (450 hp) in the exceptionally sporty RS 5 Coupé. One of the most interesting engines is the compact high-tech 1.8 TFSI gasoline unit with an average consumption of only 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers.

15. The Audi RS 5 with its 331 kW (450 hp) V8 engine is the top-end model of the A5 range and very popular with the DTM drivers as well: Timo Scheider and Adrien Tambay ordered an RS 5 prior to the start of the season.

A5 DTM

16. After the V8, the TT and the A4, the A5 is the fourth model to be fielded by Audi in the DTM. So far, Audi has clinched at least one title with each model range for Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm.

17. Length, width, height, wheelbase and overhangs are identical for all DTM vehicles to assure maximum equality of opportunity. Models that do not fit the mold are scaled accordingly. The A5 DTM required almost no scaling versus the production model.

18. An Audi A5 DTM consists of around 4,000 parts – about 50 of them are specification parts prescribed by the DTM regulations for all manufacturers.

19. The Audi A5 DTM bears the internal project name “R17” at Audi Sport.

20. The “R17 project was launched on May 4, 2010.

21. The prototype of the Audi A5 DTM did its first kilometers on the Audi test track in Neustadt on July 29, 2011.

22. The Audi A5 DTM celebrated its world debut on September 12, 2011 as part of the Volkswagen Group Night held before the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.

23. Since March 1, 2012 the technology of the DTM vehicles for the 2012 season has been largely frozen.  

24. Around 30,000 test kilometers were reeled off by Audi Sport with the A5 DTM prior to its first racing run.

25. The Audi A5 DTM is 5.01 meters long, 1.95 meters high and 1.15 meters low. All DTM vehicles have an identical wheelbase of 2,750 millimeters.

26. A DTM wheel weighs over 22 kilograms – the teams’ mechanics train at the gym to handle this weight.

27. The current-generation DTM vehicles are regarded as the race touring cars boasting the highest safety standards in motorsport history.

28. The carbon fiber monocoque of the Audi A5 DTM weighs merely 126 kilograms, the roll cage 32.5 kilograms.

29. In the mandatory crash test the side wall of the monocoque has to resist a force of 360 kN, which equates to 36 metric tons or 36 small cars.

30. The requirements specified for the – now 65-centimeter-long – crash absorbers at the front and rear ends of the vehicles have been raised. In addition, a total of four side-impact crash absorbers are installed in the cars for the first time.

31. The A5 DTM is currently using the same engine as its predecessor model, the A4: a V8 with four liters of displacement, around 340 kW (460 hp) and thus comparable performance ratings as the 4.2-liter V8 unit used in the top-of-the-line RS 5.

32. The transmission that is now operated by means of paddle shifters on the steering wheel can achieve a mileage of up to 24,000 kilometers.

33. The steering wheel of the Audi A5 DTM has a diameter of merely 28 centimeters.

34. Unlike the A4 DTM, which still had a steel roof, the Audi A5 DTM has a body made of CFRP.

35. Just like the production model, the Audi A5 DTM has headlights with LED daytime running light. Audi is a trendsetter in the field of LED technology. At the Le Mans 24 Hours, Audi has been the first automobile manufacturer to compete with full LED headlights since last year.

Audi Sport

36. Around 200 employees work for Audi Sport at the two locations Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm.

37. Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich has been at the helm of Audi Sport since November 1993. In 2004, he led Audi back into the DTM and has clinched the title six times since then.

38. For over 30 years, Audi Sport has been part of the Technical Development division of AUDI AG. This is one of the reasons why the technology transfer between motorsport and production is very intensive at Audi. Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich reports directly to Michael Dick, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Technical Development.

39. Dieter Gass has been serving in the role of “Head of Racing Commitments” at Audi Sport since January 1, 2012, reporting directly to Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

40. In parallel to the DTM, Audi in 2012 is involved in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the two 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and at Spa. In total, the Audi Sport squad of around 200 members with support by the partner teams is handling no less than 21 factory racing commitments in the 2012 season.  

41. For 2012, Audi Sport concurrently developed three new race cars:  the A5 DTM, the R18 ultra and the R18 e-tron quattro – the first diesel hybrid vehicle for the Le Mans 24 Hours that marks the return of quattro drive to motorsport. Audi Sport customer racing – with the R8 LMS ultra and the R8 GRAND-AM – contributed two other new customer sport race cars.

Teams

42. Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline is fielding four vehicles in the DTM, supported by 53 employees. Audi Sport Teams Phoenix and Rosberg are each entering two Audi A5 DTM cars, with 26 employees being assigned to the DTM commitment by each team.

43. All three Audi Sport teams have been involved in the most popular international touring car racing series ever since the DTM was re-launched in 2000. ABT Sportsline relied on Audi vehicles from the outset. Phoenix Racing and Team Rosberg have been partners of Audi Sport since the 2006 season.  

44. Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline is based in Kempten in the Allgäu region of Bavaria, Audi Sport Team Phoenix in the industrial park Meuspath near the Nürburgring and Audi Sport Team Rosberg in Neustadt an der Weinstraße.

45. With five DTM driver titles to its credit, Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline is the so far most successful Audi DTM team.

Drivers

46. With an average age of barely 27 years, Audi is competing with the youngest driver line-up of the three manufacturers in the 2012 DTM.

47. Aged 21, the Frenchman Adrien Tambay is the “junior” in Audi’s line-up, Mattias Ekström (33) the “senior.”

48. The Audi drivers in the 2012 DTM season hail from seven different nations (France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain). Edoardo Mortara has dual citizenship (Italy/France). Timo Scheider is German but races with an Austrian license.

49. Switzerland is clearly the preferred residence of the Audi drivers. Four of the eight DTM racers live there.

50. With 17 wins under his belt, Mattias Ekström is the brand’s most successful DTM racer in front of Hans-Joachim Stuck (11).

51. Mattias Ekström, Timo Scheider and Mike Rockenfeller have achieved all of their previous 24 victories in the DTM at the wheel of Audi vehicles.

52. Six of the eight 2012 Audi DTM drivers have been on the DTM podium at least once.

53. Audi most recently provided the best DTM rookie – Miguel Molina (2010) and Edoardo Mortara (2011) – twice in succession.

54. Mattias Ekström was pleased about the allocation of number “3” to his car. It was the number of the car in which the Swede won his second DTM title in 2007.

55. Filipe Albuquerque and Miguel Molina took German lessons at the Audi Academy in Ingolstadt during the winter.  

56. Tipping the scales at 50 kilograms, Rahel Frey – as could be expected – is the flyweight in the 2012 Audi driver line-up, Mattias Ekström – with 77 kilograms – the heaviest Audi racer.

57. Audi’s 2012 Le Mans driver line-up includes four former DTM racers – Dindo Capello, Oliver Jarvis, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish – and one from the current season, Mike Rockenfeller.

Partners

58. Audi Sport was able to secure the support of a total of 21 partners for its involvement in the 2012 DTM.

59. “Audi Sport performance cars” stands for all high-performance cars from AUDI AG, such as the Audi R8 or the RS models from quattro GmbH.

60. Service plays a crucial role in customer loyalty and retention – the brand with the four rings calls it “Audi Top Service”.

61. Youngster Adrien Tambay advertises “Audi ultra” on his car, referring to the company’s ultra-lightweight design expertise.

62. AUTO TEST is the number one of the monthly car magazines.

63. Computer Bild Spiele is Europe’s leading games magazine.

64. E-POSTBRIEF by the Deutsche Post (German Postal Service) makes convenient and secure online mailing and receipt of letters possible.

65. Cloud computing specialist EMC provides technologies and solutions that support companies in maximizing the use of their existing information.

66. kicker – founded all the way back in 1920 – is the most tradition-steeped German sports magazine. It is published twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays.

67. Nintendo is acclaimed for the development of video games and game consoles. Any gamer is arguably familiar with the current consoles, Nintendo 3DS or Wii.

68. Playboy is a men’s and lifestyle magazine with practically worldwide circulation. Currently, there are 28 national issues.

69. By creating the Red Bull energy drink, the Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz invented a completely new product category. Red Bull is now available in more than 160 countries.

70. The Schaeffler Group owns the three product brands INA, FAG and LuK. In the strikingly brilliant yellow-green livery of the Schaeffler Group Audi Sport Team Phoenix clinched the DTM driver title for Audi last year.

71. TV Movie is a biweekly program guide published by the Hamburg-based Bauer Media Group.

72. The supra-regional daily “DIE WELT” ranks among the leading European newspapers.

73. Other renowned brands partnering with Audi in the 2012 DTM are Alpinestars, the world’s leading company for high-performance motorsport apparel, spring manufacturer Eibach, beverage suppliers Gerolsteiner and Hofmühl, wheel expert O.Z., watchmaker TAG Heuer and the Würth Group.

Rules

74. For the first time since 2005, the DTM includes a manufacturers classification again, which Audi 2004 decided in its favor once before. The six best vehicles of a manufacturer, respectively, are classified.

75. In the 2012 DTM, points are awarded for the first time according to the system used in Formula 1: 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 for positions one to ten.

76. Refueling during DTM races is no longer permitted. The Audi A5 DTM has a 120-liter fuel tank.

77. Each race has two mandatory pit stops for tire changes. A quick pit stop in the DTM takes less than three seconds, the same time it takes the Audi A5 DTM to accelerate from rest to 100 km/h.

78. 14 mechanics perform a DTM pit stop – three per wheel, plus one man with the wand that supplies compressed air to the air jack system in the car and the famous “lollipop man” who directs the A5 to the right position in the pit lane with a sign that looks like an oversized lollipop.

79. The minimum weight of a DTM vehicle was specified at 1,100 kilograms for the 2012 season – including 85 kilograms for the driver. Drivers who weigh less than that have to take appropriate ballast on board.

80. Per race weekend, a driver may use a maximum of 28 unused slicks (14 front and 14 rear tires). 40 tires are permitted for the first weekend.

81. For all DTM events – from the beginning of the first DTM event to the end of the last classification race – a maximum of three engines are permitted per two registered drivers. No mechanical component inside the sealed engines may be worked on, removed or exchanged.

82. Two drivers combined may use a maximum of six sets of brake discs.

83. The length of the free practice sessions was increased to 100 minutes (per each of two sessions) in the 2012 season.

84. In addition to the national flag and the driver’s last name, the so-called “three letter code” that clearly identifies each driver must be displayed on the rear side windows this year. The codes at Audi are: ALB (Albuquerque), EKS (Ekström), FRE (Frey), MOL (Molina), MOR (Mortara), ROC (Rockenfeller), TAM (Tambay), TSC (Scheider).

85. Since the past season, Hankook has been the DTM’s exclusive tire supplier. Compared with last year, the wheels have larger dimensions (12 x 18 instead of 10 x 18 inches at the front and 13 x 18 instead of 11 x 18 inches at the rear axle).

Tracks/events

86. For the third consecutive time, the official season presentation is held in Wiesbaden, the capital of the state of Hesse.

87. The DTM season opener is taking place at the Hockenheimring for the 16th time. Since 1995, the circuit in Baden-Württemberg has been the traditional venue of the first DTM race of the year.

88. At a total of ten classification races, points are awarded in the 2012 season. In addition, like last year, there is a show event at the Munich Olympic Stadium at which two drivers per run compete against each other in a knock-out format.

89. Seven DTM events are held in Germany in 2012; in addition, there are visits to Great Britain, Austria, the Netherlands and Spain.

90. All DTM qualifying sessions and races are broadcast by ARD live on “Das Erste”.

91. According to calculations by Audi Sport the top speed (around 260 km/h) in the 2012 DTM season is reached at the end of the Parabolika at the Hockenheimring. The slowest corner – at around 50 km/h – is turn 1 at the Norisring in Nuremberg.

92. 62,000 spectators on average attended the DTM events last year. On its debut, the show event at the Munich Olympic Stadium immediately attracted 54,000 spectators.

93. On a total of five of the nine DTM tracks, Audi is holding the qualifying record (Hockenheim, Spielberg, Zandvoort, Oschersleben and Valencia).

94. On the Spanish circuit at Valencia, Audi has remained unbeaten in the DTM so far – the same applies to Audi factory driver Mattias Ekström.

95. Audi was most successful in recent years at Zandvoort and Oschersleben with five victories since its return to the DTM with a factory commitment in the 2004 season.

DTM history

96. “DTM” was originally an abbreviation for “Deutsche Tourenwagen-Meisterschaft.” The three letters subsequently stood for “Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters.” “DTM” has meanwhile become an independent trade mark.

97. 2012 marks the 26th season for the DTM – including its international offspring, the “ITC”, in 1996. 269 DTM events with 379 classified races have been held so far in total.

98. The narrowest finishing gap at a DTM race was 0.089 seconds (Norisring 1996), the largest lead 51.96 seconds (Mainz-Finthen 1985).

99. The most commanding victory in the DTM since its re-launch in 2000 was achieved by Mattias Ekström in the Audi A4 DTM 2011 at Oschersleben. After a memorable wet race the Swede crossed the finish line with a 42.167-second advantage.

100. Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz last competed against each other at a DTM race on June 18, 1992 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.