Ekström takes the lead

After setting the best time in free practice, Mattias Ekström repeated this performance during the qualifying session. It is also the same trio that stood out during both sessions. During free practice, the Swede was ahead of Tom Kristensen and Martin Tomczyk, just like during qualifying practice. The three drivers were joined in the fourth part of the qualifying session by Oliver Jarvis. The first four places were therefore monopolized by four Audi A4s, and it was Mattias Ekström who was the fastest, Jarvis being quite far behind at the wheel of his 2008 model. With Ekström, Kristensen and Tomczyk in the lead, the team Abt signs a flawless performance.

Behind Timo Scheider, champion DTM title, Paul Di Resta is the first driver at the wheel of a Mercedes. The Scotsman is ahead of another Mercedes, that of Maro Engel, seventh. Alexandre Prémat, with his Audi A4 model 2008 from the Phoenix team, climbed to a good ninth place, with a time close to the best. Also note Ralf's twelfth time Schumacher, ahead of Katherine Legge and Susie Stoddart.

The race which starts on Sunday at 14 p.m. will therefore be very competitive. Tom Kristensen, future retiree from the DTM, will have the relaxation of a driver without pressure, while Mattias Ekström will want to get the best start in the conquest of a third title in the discipline. And for the majority of German drivers who compete at home, this first race will set the tone for a promising 2009 season.