May 25, 2013
Source: Audi Media
· Mike Rockenfeller leads the standings before the third DTM round
· Audi has been unbeaten on the new track at Spielberg
· Will the Red Bull Ring give Mattias Ekström and Jamie Green wings?
Ingolstadt/Spielberg, – With the tailwind of a commanding victory at Brands Hatch, the Audi squad is traveling to the third round of the DTM season (June 1-2) at Spielberg (Austria). Audi driver Mike Rockenfeller, after his success in England, will arrive at the Red Bull Ring as the leader of the standings. Ever since the new circuit was re-opened two years ago, Audi has won all races here.
First victory in the second race – the Audi RS 5 DTM passed its baptism by fire at Brands Hatch. In the third round at Spielberg, the Audi squad is aiming to up the ante. Styria is a good track for the brand from Ingolstadt. In both races since the track was re-opened, an Audi driver took the top spot on the podium. In 2011, it was Martin Tomczyk on his way to the title win and last year Edoardo Mortara on clinching his first ever DTM victory.
From the island to the Alps: The demands made on the drivers and the cars could hardly be any more different. With a distance of 4.326 kilometers the Red Bull Ring is one of the longest tracks on the DTM calendar and due to its large vertical differences has unique characteristics. While Brands Hatch was a downforce track, Spielberg primarily calls for aerodynamic efficiency.
The fans at the race track and in front of their TV sets can look forward to particularly spectacular use of the Drag Reduction System (DRS) that allows the rear wing angle to be flattened by depressing a button on the steering wheel. No less than three straights followed by narrow turns at Spielberg are almost ideally suited for using the system, which gives the pursuer a speed advantage and thus makes overtaking easier. Gripping maneuvers are guaranteed.
A high-caliber program is awaiting all sports fans on “Das Erste” on the first weekend in June: The DTM qualifying session on Saturday, June 1, will only be held at 17:50 and thus directly before the DFB Cup final. The race on Sunday will start at 13:30 as usual. ARD, as always, will be airing live coverage on both days on “Das Erste.” Tickets for all DTM races of the 2013 season are available at www.audi-motorsport.com/dtm.
Quotes by the officials
Dieter Gass (Head of DTM): “We’ve got fond memories of Spielberg because we were very strong there in the past two years. Especially for Edoardo (Mortara) this probably means additional motivation. We’ve slightly modified our car since 2012, so we’re optimistic that we’ll be showing a good performance again.”
Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “Audi won at Spielberg last year, ‘Rocky’ was victorious most recently at Brands Hatch. That shows what’s possible with our car. Our whole squad will be starting with high concentration and perfect preparation. And who knows: Maybe Red Bull will actually be giving our two Red Bull racers wings …”
Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “Last year, Edoardo (Mortara) won. Of course we’d like to repeat this Audi success from last year – albeit preferably with ‘Rocky’ so that we can continue to be in contention as front runners in the Championship.”
Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): “At Spielberg, we won our first DTM race, so our memories are positive and we’re looking forward to the race with eager anticipation. Last year, the tables turned in favor of our team in Austria – I’m proceeding from the assumption that this will be the case again this year.”
Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers
Filipe Albuquerque (27/P), Audi Financial Services RS 5 DTM #6 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
• With eighth place last year, was one of the five Audi drivers in the top ten
• After two time penalties, finished the race at Brands Hatch in 17th place
“For me, the race at Spielberg will be the right start start into the 2013 DTM season because at Hockenheim and Brands Hatch some things didn’t work perfectly. That is why I’m looking forward to Austria: My team has won there before and I was fast there last year as well.”
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