Audi wins the Manufacturers’ title in style
Audi Sport has achieved today something that, just over a month ago, seemed a far fetched aspiration: winning the 2014 DTM Manufacturers’ championship. After arriving in Hockenheim with a 21-point deficit, the Ingolstadt manufacturer finished first in the standings after an impressive and determined team effort, resulting in a very strong joint performance both in qualifying and in the race, with a 31-point advantage over BMW.
Dieter Gass, Head of DTM for Audi Sport, knew what could be possible already yesterday, speaking to Touring Car Times: “We have had a very good and fast car this season, but it has taken us a lot to get it together and produce results. I think Zandvoort was only one proof of what we can do, and I think we could do it tomorrow.”
Audi didn’t leave anything to chance. Their drivers were duly briefed on how important was to achieve a good result for the manufacturer, and not lose points fighting among themselves.
The result was very conclusive: Audi did a clean sweep of the podium positions with winning driver Mattias Ekström joined by Mike Rockenfeller and Jamie Green.
Furthermore, Timo Scheider was sixth, with poleman Miguel Molina promoted to eighth after Robert Wickens’ penalty.
As well as securing the Manufacturers’ title, today’s result has given Ekström the runner up position in the Drivers’ table, with Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline placing second in the Teams’ standings.
Dieter Gass was a smiling man today: “Our aim this weekend was to win the manufacturers championship. And in the end we clearly decided it in Audi’s favor not least thanks to a brilliant team performance. That drivers from all three Audi Sport Teams mounted the podium today speaks a clear language. On this weekend everyone could see how strong the Audi RS 5 DTM is. 15 in 30 possible podium places this year are an impressive tally. We’re already looking forward to 2015 when were aiming to recover car number 1 as well.”
Mattias Ekström was very happy, and ready to celebrate his great end of season: “My Audi was again fantastic today.Ever since things have been going better in qualifying, the races have been working out as well. This was a great season finale for Audi, Team Abt Sportsline and also for me in front of a fantastic crowd. You can’t wish for a better farewell before the winter break.”
Audi Sport has won the Manufacturers’ title with 411 points, with BMW second with 380 and Mercedes-Benz third and last with 219.
