Series presented to 110,000 fans in Wiesbaden

The DTM kicked off its season over the weekend with its traditional pre-season show, this year taking place for the first time in Wiesbaden. A star-studded reception began the presentation weekend in the capital of Hessen, before on Sunday 110,000 race fans enjoyed demonstrations, autograph sessions and a free concert in the German sunshine.

“We are very happy to welcome the DTM to this year’s pre-season launch in Wiesbaden”, said Mayor Dr. Müller, going on to joke, “Because of the racing atmosphere in the city, people already assumed that the race in Monaco will not be taking place this year and has been transferred to Wiesbaden instead… Here, the fascination of the DTM becomes clearly visible.”

In addition to interviews and autograph sessions with the majority of the DTM drivers who will be in action at Hockenheim this weekend, fans also had the chance to see pit-stop competitions and demonstrations runs by both Audi and Mercedes-Benz DTM machinery and the various support race categories, including the Formula Three EuroSeries and Porsche Carrera Cup.

“The DTM is a family event. I like talking with the fans and looking into the excited eyes of the children”, said the reigning DTM champion, Timo Scheider, with Mercedes rival Ralf Schumacher adding, “It is great that so many fans have come to watch the presentation. A fantastic feeling for us drivers.”

For Dr. Thomas Betzler, board member of DTM rights holder and marketing organisation ITR, the presentation was a home event for the series as, “The commercial and legal departments of ITR and the Press & PR office are located in Wiesbaden.”