Photo: DTM Media

Audi confident ahead of the season start

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The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters 2009 premiere at Hockenheim is only one weekend away! Audi Motorsport boss Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich reports that Audi is more than ready and has got high ambitions.
“We have an ambitious goal: Audi wants to become the first automobile manufacturer to win the DTM title for the third time in a row that would be a perfect fit for the 100th anniversary of the Audi brand,” said Ullrich.

The opposition from the Mercedes teams are not underestimated according to Ullrich.

“However, we know exactly how difficult that will be. Our competition is strong and will do everything they can to prevent that.”

A man under pressure is reigning champion Timo Scheider who has got a hungry pack of drivers behind him.

“For the first time, I won’t be starting a DTM season as the hunter but as the hunted this is a new as well as a very nice feeling. Of course the crucial point will be to defend the championship title,” said Scheider.

Tom Kristensen is the team mate of Scheider this year and hopes translate the qualifying pace from last year in to race pace this year.

“My pace in qualifying was good throughout the season. That’s why it was disappointing that the race results weren’t any better than they were, particularly at Oschersleben, at the Nürburgring, at Barcelona and at Le Mans. We have got good chances of improving in 2009,” said Kristensen.

The other Scandinavian in the team, Mattias Ekström, is confident for the season.

“The 2009 season will be a real challenge. I’m very confident. Audi has a strong team. Last year I clinched three victories and a total of five podium places. We know how close the gaps are in the DTM. No doubt, we will again be in for a thrilling fight,” said Ekström.

Audi Sport Team ABT Sportsline team director Hans-Jürgen Abt is equally confident ahead of the season and the preparations that have been made during the season.

“Basically, the season opener at Hockenheim is always a particular challenge. We’re all eagerly anticipating the race because no one knows where they stand. We hope to be competitive again and able to fight for victories. In any event, the team is well prepared,” said Abt.