Dieter Gass expects Audi’s winning streak to continue in the DTM

Audi Sport will start from a blank page after new technical and sporting regulations have been drawn for the season. The development of the new RS 5 DTM started back in January 2016, with the final version ready for homologation in March this year.

The DTM is one of three pillars of Audi Sport’s programme this year, with the manufacturer having already tasted success in Formula E and World Rallycross, with driver and reigning champion Mattias Ekström.

The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer counts six victories at the season opener and Dieter Gass, head of Audi Sport and responsible for the DTM venture since 2012, expects top results from his team in Hockenheim this weekend.

“After we’ve previously been able to celebrate great success in Formula E and the World Rallycross Championship this year, we’re finally starting to race again in the DTM too. We’re excited to see what effects the numerous changes in the DTM will have, especially the softer tyres. Hockenheim has always been a good track for us in recent years. I’d like for this to continue to be the case and for us to be able to lay the foundation for a successful season at the opening event.”

One of the main challenges for Audi during the off season has been pit stop training, after the number of mechanic allowed to participate in the tyre changes has been reduced.

Audi counts with some new names in its driver line up, after being unchanged for three seasons. WEC-programme refugee Loic Duval will make his DTM debut, paired with Mike Rockenfeller at Team Phoenix. René Rast’s good performances in Zandvoort and Hockenheim last year earned him a full time seat, joining Jamie Green at Team Rosberg.

Mattias Ekström and Nico Müller remain at Team Abt. The Swede will again have a double programme this weekend, switching between his DTM and WRX duties at the Baden-Wüttemberg track.