DTM – Audi wants to sound the charge at Hockenheim

Audi had a difficult season last year. While BMW won all the titles with Bruno Spengler for its return to the discipline, the A5 DTM (which became RS5 DTM this season) were often behind. The Ingolstadt manufacturer has reorganized itself by leaving the management of the DTM department to Dieter Gass who replaces Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich so that he can devote himself to WEC and will benefit like his opponents from the new features introduced this season with the DRS and the soft Hankook tires. “I look forward to working intensively with the DTM drivers and teams,” comments Audi's new director in the discipline. “The first visit to Hockenheim is new territory for me but I know I have a very strong team behind me. The start of the season will be particularly interesting because we have not established a real hierarchy after the winter tests. We have worked tirelessly with Audi Sport in the areas left free by the regulations. We will now ensure that the work done will pay off and that we will be able to compete with our rivals on an equal footing. »

Mike Rockenfeller was the most competitive among the Audi drivers last year by taking fourth place in the Championship, still 74 points behind reigning champion Bruno Spengler. The German is eager to fight again on the Hockenheim circuit where he took fifth place last year. “For me, the season opener in Hochenheim is a highlight of the season. It's a magnificent route that offers plenty of surprises. With the overtaking possibilities made easier this year (by DRS and soft tires), the race will be even more exciting for spectators and drivers. » As for the young Adrien Tambay, the French hope did not shine at Hockenheim since he abandoned the two races contested last year on the German track. The Frenchman intends to achieve a better performance this season with the experience acquired last year. “I remember my first DTM race at Hockenheim last year. Now a lot of things are different: I have more experience, including having already been on the podium, and we have new rules and new opponents. »