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Audi presents 2009 DTM programme

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Audi has announced it will compete in DTM next year again. The German make has set itself the goal to be the first manufacturer since the rebirth of the championship in 2000 to win the title three times in succession. To accomplish this, Audi will develop their 2008 DTM car for 2009. The car will be optimised in every area and will carry the project name “R14 plus” internally.

Audi will buld four new A4’s for 2009 and will also enter up to five 2008 cars. Once again, these cars will be run by Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg.

“2008 was the largest and most successful motorsport programme in AUDI AG history,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. “We want to continue this in 2009. In view of the international economic and financial crisis, it is clear that motorsport must also make a contribution to reduce costs further.

It is all the more pleasing that we have found a way to continue our two large projects, the new Le Mans sports car and the DTM, and added another string to our bow with the GT3 customer sport programme. This demonstrates just how valuable motorsport is for Audi.”

Audi will be using the services of the same drivers for 2009. Every driver will be recruited from the driver line-up seen in action during the 2008 season in the DTM and R10 TDI.