Interview: Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass: “Aiming for as many titles as possible”
Back to overviewHead of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass about the aims for the 2018 DTM season, year one after Mattias Ekström, the new aerodynamics of the DTM cars and the development of the series in general.
2017 has been Audi’s most successful DTM season to date. In the light of this success, what aims are left for 2018?
Our aim is to win titles. Our exceptional success last season doesn’t change this. That’s why in 2018 we’d like to clinch as many titles as possible again – among them, obviously, the drivers’ title which has the highest prestige in the DTM.
Mattias Ekström was one of Audi’s spearheads in the DTM for years. This year, he’s fully concentrating on the FIA World Rallycross Championship. How much are you going to miss him?
Mattias was part of the DTM for many years and clearly one of its icons. From a sporting perspective it was obvious to everyone last year if not earlier that we have a driver squad on an extremely high level. We’re still perfectly positioned. René (Rast) and Jamie (Green) were the strongest driver combination in 2017. Mike (Rockenfeller) is a driver always to be reckoned with as well. For Nico (Müller) it’s time now to finally break his duck. I think we’re also going to see more from Loïc (Duval) this year. Plus, I expect quite a bit from our new signing Robin (Frijns).
In favor of a tenth racing event, the pre-season tests in 2018 have been further reduced. What effects does this have?
Fewer tests make things difficult primarily for Robin (Frijns). That’s why we tried to let him drive the car at least on a few laps in the test at Vallelunga, Italy – even though the conditions were less than perfect. René (Rast) became champion last year although there were only few testing opportunities then as well, so a really good driver can even be successful that way.
What do fewer test days mean for pre-season preparations in general?
The situation is the same for everyone. You have to make the best of it and test in a structured manner. I’m convinced that we’re going to be well sorted by the time the season starts.
This year, all the cars in the DTM have near-identical aerodynamics with 25 percent less downforce for the first time. How do you view this move?
First of all, I feel that no longer having the unpopular performance weights is very good. That’ll lead to absolutely free driving in every respect. I believe we’re going to see thrilling and intensive duels between all drivers. We all hope that with more identical aerodynamics the field will move even closer together than last year.
This said, what is left that still makes a difference in the “new” DTM?
A good team, a good setup and a good driver are success factors. And of course, the engine has an impact on performance.
Change of topic: Brands Hatch and Misano are two new events on the calendar. What are your comments on this?
I look forward to the new races. I felt it was a shame that we always used to race on the “Mickey Mouse” circuit at Brands Hatch. For me, “grown-up” racing like the DTM belongs on “grown-up” race tracks. With the Grand Prix circuit that’s now definitely the case at Brands Hatch. Misano will be a night event – that’s a premiere for the DTM. Both events are going to enhance the DTM.
In the German-speaking region, SAT.1 will be covering the DTM races starting this year. How do you feel about the DTM’s new TV partner?
Very good! With SAT.1 we can feel the channel’s enthusiasm for the DTM. I hope that this will be reflected in emotional coverage and respective viewing rates.
How do you view the most recent development in the DTM?
Last year, we took a lot of steps in the right direction. The finale at Hockenheim was a highlight in terms of spectator response and the environment that we were all working toward. My wish is for us to take this positive energy into the new season and to continue to improve on this level.