Dieter Gass (Audi): “There was no real alternative”

Audi's withdrawal announcement was criticized for its timing. Do you regret it?

There is not really a good timing to deliver such information. We have decided not to retain it, in order to warn all those involved in the DTM, so that the ITR has as much time as possible to find solutions so that its championship continues. I think they have time to prepare for it.

The decision was therefore taken very recently, although rumors had been circulating for months…

It was taken very recently and made public immediately. As for the rumors, if all prove true, Audi would be in F1 Today !

Did the lack of consensus around the use of even more common elements, including at the engine level, motivate this decision?

I don't think we could have many more common rooms. Yes, there were discussions about the engine, but these disputes are not the main reason for our departure. We are exploring new strategies and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the automotive industry has played into our thoughts. There was no real alternative.

Gerhard Berger wanted to bring the DTM to hybrid, then 100% electric by 2025. Was that not enough to convince you?

It is a global decision, of the group, which defined other strategies. Discussions on a hybrid program in DTM were certainly advanced, but they were not as advanced on all-electric.

BMW criticizes Audi's argument to shift all its efforts to Formula E, arguing that it is also present there. What do you say to that?

Audi has done a lot to support the DTM in recent times: we were the first to reintroduce the concept of private teams, which allowed the championship to survive at the start of Mercedes. We were also heavily involved in the renewal of television contracts. In terms of involvement, I think we had nothing to reproach ourselves for.

Have all the efforts towards “Class One” been in vain?

Time will tell. The outlook was not encouraging, but we did these two joint races which proved that it could work.

Was the prospect of a championship with two manufacturers unbearable?

That's exactly it, and it's been our focus ever since Mercedes pulled out. Audi had extended its contract with the DTM for the period 2018-2020, but on the condition that there are three brands on the grid. Aston Martin was there in 2019, but we did not see anything concrete happening to get out of this duel situation.

Is it imaginable to see RS5s operated by private teams?

The subject was not debated. It's a question that stirs up the media, but from experience, it requires a big financial effort, and I'm not sure there are that many interested customers.

How do you see the 2020 season holding up?

In Germany, we see the end of the tunnel. Football will soon resume and I am quite optimistic that this will soon settle down for motorsport. Maybe in July. But I understand the ITR, which does not want to communicate as long as an announcement can be contradicted by decisions from above. This does not mean that they sit idly by.

What will happen to your six official drivers?

It's a little early to reveal anything. We will work with them to find the best solution for them.