Audi still hopeful of achieving their first win of 2014
Heavy fog shortened free practice today at the Lausitzring from the scheduled two hours to just 15 minutes, which resulted on the majority of drivers and teams not being able to fine tune their cars for the qualifying session. Despite their best efforts, Mattias Ekström (Audi Sport Team Abt) just missed out on pole.
Audi Sport arrived this weekend with the target of winning for the first time this season, and pulling a team effort to catch up BMW in the Manufacturers’ standings.
Timo Scheider and Jamie Green were strong in this afternoon’s qualifying session, but finished on the second row.
Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi Motorsport, was positive about the outcome of the session, remembering that Lausitzring has never been a good track for the Ingolstadt manufacturer: “In Mattias (Ekström), Jamie (Green) and Timo (Scheider), three seasoned campaigners will be on the first two rows of the grid. Im hoping for one of these three to clinch the first victory of the DTM season for Audi tomorrow.”
Mattias Ekström was upbeat about his result, being on the front row, just 57 thousands behind the poleman: “It was an impeccable performance. I drove without making mistakes and am happy. I didnt do anything differently with the car and drove the way I always do. Were enjoying this day and are looking forward to the race.” The Swede was positive about his chances of winning the race and keeping his title aspirations alive, adding: “I will only congratulate Marco when everything is settled. Now, first of all, I am happy with my second place on the grid.”
Timo Scheider also felt happy with his second row result, alongside Jamie Green. The German felt the pressure after spending most of the day with no racing activity, but had a very strong performance: “I’m pleased, the car was good, the performance was there, and the second row is a good starting base for a good result tomorrow. The guys did a great job in the stressful phase after we had nothing to do all day.”
Team Phoenix’ Miguel Molina also had a good show, finishing sixth and targeting the podium: “It was a good qualifying session for me. It wasn’t easy because the track conditions kept changing a lot. But in the end it worked out well. I’m in the top ten again. The whole squad did a superb job. I’ve got a good starting base and am hoping for a strong race. My personal goal is a place in the top three.”
On the other hand, Mike Rockenfeller and Edo Mortara had a difficult day. The reigning champion, who qualified 10th, felt he could have done better in order to score a victory this season: “It was a disappointing qualifying session. But in such conditions anything is always possible. It was very tight for advancing. In the end I just barely missed it.”
With five drivers in the top 10, three of them in the first two rows of the grid, Audi will decisively be looking for the victory tomorrow.
