Photo: Audi MediaCenter

Edoardo Mortara hoping for clean action at the Red Bull Ring

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The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters returns this weekend, with the second round of the 2016 season taking place at the Red Bull Ring.

Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline’s Edoardo Mortara arrives in Styria as the best placed driver for the Ingolstadt manufacturer, after winning the first race of the season, and in third place in the standings, 12 points adrift. The Italian is looking forward to returning to the picturesque circuit: “The Red Bull Ring is clearly one of my favorite tracks in the DTM. I like the circuit, as well as the beautiful surroundings with the mountains and lush green nature. I always enjoy returning to Spielberg.”

Audi Sport started the season as the strongest manufacturer in Hockenheim two weeks ago, only to see their Saturday efforts diluted in heavy clashes during the opening rounds of Sunday’s race. Frustration is still present but Mortara has a plan: “The way some drivers drove at Hockenheim was unacceptable. We simply need to be on the grid as far forward as possible in order to avoid the mid-field chaos.”

Dieter Gass, Head of DTM for Audi Sport, echoes his driver’s feelings: “According to past experience, the Red Bull Ring guarantees thrilling DTM races. As expected, the field has moved even closer together, so the fans can look forward to two interesting race days. Personally, I’m hoping that we won’t be seeing action quite as hectic as the one we saw at Hockenheim.”

Team Abt’s Nico Müller is fourth in the standings, after a strong performance in Hockenheim. The Swiss driver got his first pole position and podium in the series, being the only Audi driver to score points in both races. Müller hopes to continue delivering good results in Spielberg: “I’m hoping for things to continue like this. I like the Red Bull Ring, too. I can hardly wait to be sitting in my RS 5 DTM again.”

Audi Sport had a successful visit to the Red Bull Ring last year, with Edoardo Mortara and Mattias Ekström winning the races, and Team Phoenix’ Mike Rockenfeller is the track record holder in the DTM. The Ingolstadt squad is currently third in the Manufacturers’ table with 50 points, 37 behind Mercedes AMG.

The second round of the 2016 DTM season kicks off at 17:00 CEST on Friday afternoon, for the first free practice session.