Nicolas Kiesa joins Audi

The sixth round of the DTM at the Nürburgring marks the series’ debut for former F1-driver Nicolas Kiesa. The Dane is the new team-mate of Vanina Ickx in the Audi customer team Futurecom TME. The 28-year old will be driving his first touring car race at the Nürburgring.

After success in Formula Ford, Formula 3 and Formula 3000 including a victory at Monaco, Nicolas Kiesa stepped up into Formula 1 at the end of the 2003 season. He contested the final five Grands Prix of the 2003 World Championship and finished them all – a feat never achieved before by a rookie driver in Formula 1. In 2004, Kiesa was involved in the team’s two-seater programme and became a test driver for Jordan in 2005. From the German Grand Prix onwards, he was the team’s third driver and took part in Friday test sessions.

Kiesa is replacing Jeroen Bleekemolen, who raced for Futurecom TME at Brands Hatch and the Norisring and came out as the best-placed driver of a 2004-spec car on both occasions. With his performances, the Dutch driver showed in an impressive way the potential that the DTM’s championship-winning car of 2004 still has. Continuation of Bleekemolen’s involvement was prevented by financial difficulties with the main sponsor.

“Co-operation with Jeroen was excellent and helped us find our way in the DTM which is new to us“, team principal Dr. Colin Kolles explains. Therefore, we sincerely regret that he can no longer be driving for us. At the same time, we are delighted to give Nicolas Kiesa, who we know from Formula 1, a chance in the DTM.”

I am happy to race here. But I am well aware that the DTM is a very special ball game“, Nicolas Kiesa says. “Not only do you have to know the car well, you also have to know how this game works. For me, the DTM is the best series in the world, together with Formula 1. However, I still have to get used to driving a tin-top. I already know the Nürburgring from Formula 3000.”