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DTM invading Hamburg

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Motorsport atmosphere in the Hanseatic city. With an extraordinary launch event, DTM entered its 2005 season. In front of 20,000 enthusiasts, Hamburg’s city centre turned into a huge paddock. In addition to the official driver and team launch, the spectators were also provided with thrilling pit stop competitions, offering the crowds the chance of enjoying a very close motorsport experience.

Quite obviously, the DTM cars’ demonstration laps around the Binnenalster represented the definite highlight of the event. Thousands of enthusiasts were inspired by the impressive sound of the engines and cheered for the driver parade. Mika Häkkinen (AMG-Mercedes C-Class) was delighted with the huge attendance. “I have been around quite a lot,” said the Finn, “But this is something truly special.”

The reigning champion, Mattias Ekström (Audi A4 DTM) was also thrilled. “This event has been a foretaste to what we will experience in 12 days time, in the season opener. I’m looking forward to the season and just can’t wait any longer!” And Heinz-Harald Frentzen (Opel Vectra GTS V8) added: “Should the season turn out to be just as fantastic as the launch we may look forward to a truly great season.”

During the event, the new DTM song also made its debut. During the ARD’s live coverage from Hamburg, Sweden’s Ana Johnsson delivered the maiden public performance of the official DTM hit ‘Coz I Can’.

ITR Chairman Hans Werner Aufrecht said: “The spectators were just great. Just as it was the case in 2004, Hamburg has welcomed us with open arms. This launch has turned out to be a successful start into the new season.”

The opening round of the 2005 DTM season will take place at the Hockenheimring, on 17th April, with 50,000 tickets for the season kick-off having already been sold and the demand for tickets still increasing.