Timo Scheider announces his retirement from the DTM

Audi Sport driver Timo Scheider has announced he will leave the DTM after tomorrow’s last race at Hockenheim, after Audi confirmed they would not be renewing his contract next year.

The Team Phoenix driver calls time on a career which spans 16 years. The German driver made his DTM debut in 2000 with Opel, taking a break in 2005 before returning with Audi. Scheider won two back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009, and has taken seven victories and 11 pole positions during his DTM career.

“I just got a phone call two days ago that my contract would not be extended with Audi. So I’m here to tell you all I’m retiring,” said Scheider. “This is one of the most emotional moments in my life, after 16 years in the DTM. After two titles and many positives and negatives which have made me the person I am now.

“I’d like to thank everyone for being part of my career, starting with the manufacturers and the manufacturer I’ve been driving for 11 years now, Audi, who’ve made me a champion two times in 2008 and 2009 with seven victories and 24-hour victories.”

“I had to announce this today with pleasure in one way and a bit of sadness, I’ll attend my last DTM race tomorrow.”