Photo: Audi Media

Rockenfeller boosted by move to new car

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Mike Rockenfeller has been bumped up to the latest specification Audi A4 ahead of the 2011 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, an important step according to the 27-year-old.
“It was an important step for me to be able to fight for the top positions in the DTM with the latest car,” said Rockenfeller.

Rockenfeller finished seventh in the championship last year with one podium finish as his best result. For this season though he is aiming higher.

“It’’s a great opportunity that Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich is giving me, and I aim to prove that I have earned it and can get good results. I won’’t be setting my sights too high for exactly these reasons in 2011. But under no circumstances is it just a learning season. Results must plain to see,” said Rockenfeller.

2011 marks the final season with the current regulations, Rockenfeller is pleased to be in the latest specification car ahead of the switch to the new regulations in 2012.

“In particular with a view to 2012 when everybody starts with new material and another manufacturer also joins the DTM, 2011 is important as a preparation season,” said Rockenfeller.

Rockenfeller is going to have a busy schedule during 2011 as he alongside his DTM programme also is going to take part in the 12 Hours of Sebring with the Audi R15, the 1000 kilometers at Spa as well as Le Mans 24 hours with the all-new Audi R18.

“I think my past results have demonstrated that this double program helps me and isn’t actually a hinderance, does not actually hinder me,” said Rockenfeller.