June 25, 2010
Source: Audi Communications Motorsport
· Next big aim: an exploit in the DTM race at the Norisring
· Norisring simulation at the airfield in Cochstedt
· Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller has chances for victory too
Ingolstadt, – Spurred on by its record victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours, Audi tackles the next major motorsport event: from July 2 to 4, the DTM will visit the Norisring in Nuremberg.
Located just 75 kilometers north of Ingolstadt, the Norisring has traditionally been a home round for Audi – so far, though, without a home advantage: the merely 2.3-kilometer city street circuit between the Frankenstadion sports arena and the Dutzendteich lake is – except for the new circuit in Shanghai – the only race track on the DTM calendar on which Audi has not clinched a victory with the A4 DTM. The “credit side” of Audis track record reflects a total of four third places and a second place achieved by Christian Abt in the 2005 season.
Last year the squad around Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, who led the brand with the four rings to its ninth triumph at Le Mans just a few days ago, came closer to clinching the much-longed-for home victory at the Norisring than in any of the years before: only on the penultimate lap Timo Scheider, who had started from the pole position, lost the lead to Mercedes driver Jamie Green.
Knowing full well that the Audi Sport Abt Sportsline team was fighting on a par with its rivals at the Norisring in 2009 and that the 2009-specification Audi A4 DTM, which is internally designated as the “R14 plus,” underwent some detailed optimizations prior to the technology freeze, the Audi squad is by no means looking toward Nuremberg with apprehension. “We know that we can do it if everything works perfectly,” says Dr. Ullrich. “Le Mans has shown what is possible with a perfect team performance – and it has given everyone at Audi Sport special motivation to finally do it again at the Norisring too.”
Norisring simulations on an airfield
To be optimally prepared, Audi Sport again simulated the Norisring this year on the airfield in Cochstedt, East Germany. The final preparations for the successful race at Le Mans took place at the same facility where Mattias Ekström, Oliver Jarvis, Miugel Molina, Timo Scheider and Martin Tomczyk – by driving between traffic cones – gathered important findings for the special characteristics of the Norisring where traction, deceleration and top speed count most. The aerodynamic efficiency, which is a particular forte of the Audi A4 DTM, shall be mainly used for a good top speed.
An advantage for the 2008-specification vehicles?
The vehicles of the penultimate generation, which are allowed to compete with 25 kilograms less weight than the current models, are expected to have extremely good chances at the Norisring as well. “At the Norisring I would voluntarily swap my 2009-spec car for a 2008-spec A4,” stresses Mattias Ekström. “Weight plays a really crucial part at the Norisring.”
That is why the drivers of the 2008-specification vehicles are looking forward to the street circuit with particularly eager anticipation – especially Mike Rockenfeller from Audi Sport Team Phoenix, who was the best Audi driver in two of the first three DTM races of the year and who fulfilled a personal dream when he clinched his first victory in a race of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Consequently, he will travel to the Norisring spurred on by this exploit. “After my first sports car victory with Audi I wouldnt mind celebrating my first DTM win at the Norisring,” says “Rocky.” “In 2009 Jamie Green showed that its possible to win there with a year-old car. And the prerequisites are even better for us this year.”
Excursion into NASCAR series and to Le Mans
Mike Rockenfeller isnt the only one to have stocked up on self-confidence with his Le Mans victory between the DTM races at the EuroSpeedway and the Norisring. Title defender Timo Scheider immediately clinched a podium position in the GT2 class on his Le Mans debut. Oliver Jarvis was recognized as “Rookie of the year” at Le Mans and Mattias Ekström caused a sensation at his excursion into the North American NASCAR series. “A fantastic experience,” enthused the Swede. “But now its time to fully concentrate on the DTM again and the Norisring. We just barely missed clinching victory last year. Well do everything within our means to make it happen this time.”
Demo laps of the Audi R15 TDI
DTM fans are not the only ones who can look forward to the Norisring weekend because sports car enthusiasts will be in for a treat as well: prior to the start of the DTM race on Sunday, the Le Mans winning diesel race sports car, the Audi R15 TDI, will do some demo laps on the Norisring. Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas will be in Nuremberg as well to sign autographs for fans and to keep their fingers crossed for Mike Rockenfeller.
Topics of the weekend
Which of the cars are more powerful: the 2008-spec or the 2009-spec vehicles?
Will Audi be able to put an end to Mercedes seven-year winning streak?
How will the new Dunlop tires perform on the street circuit?
Will Katherine Legge be able to repeat her strong performance from last year?
How will rookie Miguel Molina handle the Norisring?
Quotes by the officials
Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “The Norisring is always a particularly important race for Audi because many of Audis employees travel to the race track to keep their fingers crossed and, obviously, would like to witness an Audi exploit. Thats why were particularly motivated to clinch a good result at the Norisring. Weve always had a bit of a hard time there but every year weve come a step closer to achieving our goal of being capable of winning at the Norisring.”
Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “We last clinched victory at the Norisring in 2002, with Laurent Aiello. Its time for us to break our duck and to strike back at the Norisring. This would be important for the championship too because weve already lost many points for various reasons.”
Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “The spectators experience the DTM at the Norisring from a particularly close distance. Technically, this track demands completely different things than a normal circuit, traction in particular. Thanks to the weight advantage of 25 kilograms over the current cars we expect to have good chances of repeating – or even topping – our EuroSpeedway result.”
Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): “We have a love-hate relationship with the Norisring: the atmosphere is fantastic but its not easy for the teams to work there due to the things that happened. Markus (Winkelhock) last drove a good race at the EuroSpeedway and will travel to the Norisring with a clear head. Katherine (Legge) delivered the fastest race lap there last year and clinched fifth place in qualifying. It would be great if we could repeat that.”
Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers
Mattias Ekström (31/S), Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #5 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
Clinched his first DTM pole position in Nuremberg in 2002
Has been on the podium at the Norisring in third place for as many as four times
“Its nice to arrive at the Norisring – for me its the DTM circuit with the most enjoyable atmosphere. Last year we just very barely missed victory there. Well try for it again this year.”
Oliver Jarvis (26/GB), Tabac Original Audi A4 DTM #2 (Audi Sport Team Abt)
“Rookie of the year” at the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours
Has not clinched any points yet in the 2010 season
“The Norisring was a Mercedes track in the past. We need to change that this year. Weve got to try and win there in order to grab points from the Mercedes guys at the top after their strong start to the season. Well give everything.”
Katherine Legge (29/GB), Glamour Audi A4 DTM #15 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
Posted the fastest race lap last year
Started from position five, but made a jump start
“Im looking forward to the Norisring. Its Audis home track, a cool city race with a great atmosphere. We were very fast there last year. Im hoping well be able to repeat that. The thing I like best at the Norisring is the late braking.”
Miguel Molina (21/E), Audi Bank A4 DTM #18 (Audi Sport Rookie Team Abt)
Drives a DTM vehicle on a city street circuit for the first time
Is the only one of the three DTM rookies to have clinched points so far
“Im expecting a difficult race because I dont have that much experience with city street races. Ive only driven in Monaco so far. Still, Im really looking forward to it and will prepare myself as best I can.”
Alexandre Prémat (28/F), TV Movie Audi A4 DTM #9 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
Clinched one point in 2007 in his first DTM race at the Norisring
Plans to marry his partner of many years after the Norisring race
“I love this track. Ive won races there in Formula 3 against Hamilton, Rosberg and Kubica. In the DTM Ive just been lacking a bit of fortune at the Norisring so far. Id like to change that and score many points.”
Mike Rockenfeller (26/D), S line Audi A4 DTM #10 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
Was best Audi driver in two out of three DTM races this year
Has not scored any points yet at the Norisring
“In the past we often had difficulties there because we usually arrived with a little more weight at the Norisring. Thanks to the regulations thats changed now. I think weve got good chances.”
Timo Scheider (31/D), GW:plus/Top Service Audi A4 DTM #1 (Audi Sport Team Abt)
Just barely missed victory last year
Was on the podium in 2008
“Weve had some unfinished business with Audi at the Norisring for years – and that goes for me in particular after I was leading the race for 80 laps last year. I want to travel to the track one hundred percent prepared and finish the last three or four laps as the race leader as well so that Audi will finally win its home race in Nuremberg.”
Martin Tomczyk (28/D), Red Bull Cola Audi A4 DTM #6 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
Had a serious accident at the Norisring in 2002
Clinched his first points this year at the EuroSpeedway
“The Norisring is one of the most popular tracks of the spectators. Its nice to drive there because so many Audi fans are at the race. As everyone knows, I dont like the circuit all that much, but will still try to squeeze the best out of it.”
Markus Winkelhock (30/D), Playboy/GW:plus Audi A4 DTM #14 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
Is the nephew of Joachim Winkelhock, who won the first race of the new DTM at the Norisring in 2000
Celebrated his 30th birthday on the Le Mans weekend
Was forced to skip qualifying in 2009 after an accident in practice (manhole cover) and had to start all the way from the rear
“The Norisring is practically my second home race with a very special atmosphere. I like the circuit and the track should suit the car well too. The break after the EuroSpeedway was much too long. I can hardly wait to be driving at the Norisring.”
The Audi drivers in the 2010 DTM
Mattias Ekström (S): * Jul 14, 1978 in Falun (S); residence: Salenstein (CH); single; height: 1.83 m; weight: 77 kg; Audi driver since 1999; DTM races: 96; pole positions: 15; victories: 14; fastest laps: 10; points: 460; DTM titles: 2 (2004, 2007); best result, DTM Norisring: 3rd.
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: 24; pole positions: 1; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 0; points: 23; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Norisring: 12th.
Katherine Legge (GB): * Jul 12, 1980 in Guildford (GB); residence: Ermatingen (CH); single; height: 1.73 m; weight: 58 kg; Audi driver since 2008; DTM races: 23; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 12th place); fastest laps: 1; points: 0; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Norisring: 12th.
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: 3; pole positions: 0; victories: 0; (best result: 8th place); fastest laps: 0; points: 2; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Norisring: –
Alexandre Prémat (F): * Apr 05, 1982 in Juvisy-sur-Orge (F); residence: Ermatingen (CH); single (partner Cléo), one daughter (Zoe); height: 1.82 m; weight: 74 kg; Audi driver since 2007; DTM races: 33; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 0; points: 35; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Norisring: 8.
Mike Rockenfeller (D): * Oct 31, 1983 in Neuwied (D); residence: Altnau (CH); single (partner Susanne); height: 1.75 m; weight: 67 kg; Audi driver since 2007; DTM races: 34; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 3rd place); fastest laps: 1; points: 33; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Norisring: 9th.
Timo Scheider (D): * Nov 11, 1978 in Lahnstein (D); residence: Lochau (A); single, one son (Loris); height: 1.78 m; weight: 74 kg; Audi driver since 2006; DTM races: 101; pole positions: 7; victories: 5; fastest laps: 4; points: 275; DTM titles: 2 (2008, 2009); best result, DTM Norisring: 3rd.
Martin Tomczyk (D): * Dec 07, 1981 in Rosenheim (D); residence: Aesch/Basel (CH); single (engaged to Christina); height: 1.88 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2001; DTM races: 95; pole positions: 7; victories: 4; fastest laps: 5; points: 232; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Norisring: 5th.
Markus Winkelhock (D): * Jun 13, 1980 in Stuttgart (D); residence: Berglen-Steinach (D); single; height: 1.75 m; weight: 65 kg; Audi driver since 2007; DTM races: 42; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 4th place); fastest laps: 0; DTM titles: 0; points: 17; best result, DTM Norisring: 11th.
2010 DTM point standings
1 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes) 26 points
2 Paul Di Resta (Mercedes) 17 points
3 Gary Paffett (Mercedes) 16 points
4 Mattias Ekström (Audi) 13 points
5 Jamie Green (Mercedes) 12 points
6 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) 12 points
7 Timo Scheider (Audi) 8 points
8 Alexandre Prémat (Audi) 6 points
9 Martin Tomczyk (Audi) 3 points
10 Susie Stoddart (Mercedes) 2 points
11 Miguel Molina (Audi) 2 points
2010 DTM season interim statistics
Victories: Mercedes 2; Audi 1
Pole positions: Mercedes 2; Audi 1
Fastest laps: Audi 2; Mercedes 1
Leading laps: Mercedes 89; Audi 47
Points: Mercedes 73; Audi 44
Audi DTM statistics
Pole positions: 55
Victories: 53
Fastest laps: 41
Champions titles: 7 (1990, 1991, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009)
All winners of DTM races at the Norisring (since 2000)
2000 (1) Joachim Winkelhock (Opel)
2000 (2) 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)
Track info
Track info: 2.300 km
Race distance: 82 laps = 188.600 km
DTM qualifying record on this track: Bruno Spengler (Mercedes), 47.785s = 173.276 km/h (June 28,2008)
DTM race record on this track: Bruno Spengler (Mercedes), 48.446s = 170.912 km/h (June 29, 2008)
Pole position in 2009: Timo Scheider (Audi), 49.012s = 168.938 km/h (June 27, 2009)
Fastest lap in 2009: Katherine Legge (Audi), 48.620s = 170,300 km/h (June 28, 2009)
Spectators in 2009: 132,000
TV live viewers, ARD 2009: 1.62 million (source: ARD)
Katherine Legge about the Norisring: “The race track looks very easy, but it isnt. The car needs to be set up for good traction out of the tight corners coupled with unfettered speed down the long straights. The extreme layout of this street circuit is unique, as is its very special atmosphere.”
DTM statistics at the Norisring since 2004 (Audi “factory” commitment)
Races: 8
Audi victories: 2
Pole positions: 2
Fastest laps: 1
Norisring 2009 flashback
With a fourth place Timo Scheider defended his lead in the standings. His team colleague Mattias Ekström clinched a podium result for Audi in what was one of the most thrilling races in DTM history in front of 132,000 spectators (throughout the weekend). Up to the third from last lap Scheider, who had started from the pole position, was leading the race before dropping to fourth place after an attack by Mercedes driver Jamie Green. Tom Kristensen was another Audi racer to finish in the points. Katherine Legge shone with the fastest race lap.
2009 results
1 Jamie Green (Mercedes) 80 laps in 1h 08m 39.223s
2 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes) + 1.357s
3 Mattias Ekström (Audi A4 DTM) + 1.678s
4 Timo Scheider (Audi A4 DTM) + 2.626s
5 Gary Paffett (Mercedes) + 2.940s
…
8 Tom Kristensen (Audi A4 DTM) + 9.266s
9 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi A4 DTM) + 9.787s
11 Martin Tomczyk (Audi A4 DTM) + 29.331s
12 Katherine Legge (Audi A4 DTM) + 30.430s
13 Markus Winkelhock (Audi A4 DTM) + 30.931s
15 Christian Bakkerud (Audi A4 DTM) – 1 lap
Schedule
Friday, July 2
11:45-12:15 Roll-out
14:40-16:10 Free practice 1
16:10-16:15 Starting practice
Saturday, July 3
09:30-11:00 Free practice 2
13:45-14:41 Qualifying
Sunday, July 4
09:30-10:00 Warm-up
14:00 Race
TV schedule (ARD live)
Samstag, July 3
13:25-15:00 Qualifying
Sunday, July 4
13:45-15:25 Race
14:40-16:10 Free practice 1
16:10-16:15 Starting practice
Saturday, July 3
09:30-11:00 Free practice 2
13:45-14:41 Qualifying
Sunday, July 4
09:30-10:00 Warm-up
14:00 Race
TV schedule (ARD live)
Saturday, July 3
13:25-15:00 Qualifying
Sunday, July 4
13:45-15:25 Race
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