Photo: DTM Media

Shanghai prepares for DTM finale

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The preparations for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters finale in Shanghai, the biggest city in China, has begun. The 2.465 kilometer track is currently being constructed in the centre of the city.

The DTM cars of Audi and Mercedes has arrived in Shanghai and the teams are currently preparing the pit garages. 11.35 on friday will be the first opportunity for the teams to take on the street track, located in the district of Pudong, in a roll-out session.

Gary Paffett claimed the victory in 2004 when the DTM last raced in Shanghai. Paffett won the race ahead of Mercedes-legend Bernd Schneider and then soon to be champion Mattias Ekström in third.

And while Mercedes claimed a double victory in 2004 and is alone in the fight for the 2010 title, Audi Motorsport boss Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich is hopeful ahead of the race this weekend.

“While our competitor will experience a tough fight within its own team we’ll be free to drive for victory. It would be nice to actually make this happen in a country that is as important to Audi as China is,” said Ullrich.

While the move of the DTM finale from traditional Hockenheim to Shanghai has caused a lot of controversy, the growing market of China is an important factor for manufacturers such as Audi and Mercedes.

Audi revealed sales figures in a recent release showing a growth of 55.7 % in sales in China compared to last year, making China the second largest market for Audi after Germany.

With the current expansion track of DTM with new, more international regulations and more manufacturers, races like Shanghai looks set to continue in the DTM calendar.