Audi in the DTM: Aiming for first place at Moscow

Audi is showing a strong, cohesive team performance in the 2014 DTM season. Following the first four races, six drivers of the brand are in the top ten of the standings, in positions two to six and nine. Edoardo Mortara, Mattias Ekström and Mike Rockenfeller are trailing leader of the standings Marco Wittman in striking distance and have the chance to bump the BMW driver from the top spot with a victory. In the manufacturers’ and teams’ classifications, Audi is traveling to Russia as the leader of the standings. Victory is the only thing that is still missing in the track record of the four rings this year.

Chances for a successful weekend at Moscow Raceway, which is about an hour and a half’s drive from the center of the city, are good. Last year, the subsequent champion, Mike Rockenfeller, and his brand colleague Mattias Ekström celebrated a commanding one-two victory with an advantage of more than ten seconds, which is untypically large in the DTM. The pole position and the fastest race lap went to Audi as well.

Instead of the short configuration, which is only a little more than 2.5 kilometers long, the DTM will be using the 3.931-kilometer track this year. The new section features a few fast combinations of turns and provides more overtaking opportunities. The end of the long straight in front of the start and finish where the drivers, just before braking, will be reaching a speed of more than 240 km/h this year, continues to offer an optimal opportunity.

TV viewers will get to watch the qualifying session on prime time. ‘Das Erste’ will be airing live coverage from Moscow on Saturday at 16.35 (CEST) and from 13.15 (CEST) on Sunday. Tickets for the entire 2014 DTM season can be purchased online at www.audi-motorsport.com/dtm or telephonically on +49 841 89-47777.

Quotes by the officials

Dieter Gass (Head of DTM): “The first victory of the season has long been overdue for our squad. We’ve been showing a consistently strong performance with nearly all of our drivers whereas our competitors keep experiencing highs and lows. Our aim for the race at Moscow is to repeat last year’s victory – even though we’ll be racing on a different configuration of the track. We’ve got a balanced team performance this year and still have a number of drivers in contention for the championship. This also means that we’ve got several hot candidates for victory at Moscow in our ranks.”

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “Moscow is a race track that suits us really well. We know that from last year and the longer track configuration won’t change that. We’re proud of providing the best Audi driver and the best Audi team in the standings. Obviously, we’d like to defend these positions and, above all, further reduce the gap to the leading BMW driver.”

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “With Mike’s (Rockenfeller) victory last year we’ve only got fond memories of Moscow. I walked the long track configuration last year and am sure that it’ll suit as well. We’re aiming to score big points with both cars.”  

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): “We’re looking forward to Moscow and are taking the Norisring success with us as additional motivation. Jamie (Green) drove a strong race in Russia last year.”

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

Mattias Ekström (35/S), Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM #7 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
•  In 2013, together with Mike Rockenfeller, was in a class of his own at Moscow
•  Drove the fastest race lap at the Norisring
“The race last year was one of the best ones in my DTM career. That’s why I’m excited and really looking forward to the weekend. I like the people and the enthusiasm in Russia and am going to give everything to up the ante because the biggest trophy is still missing in my collection this year.”

Jamie Green (32/GB), Hoffmann Group Audi RS 5 DTM #21 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
•  In Nuremberg, clinched the first podium place for Team Rosberg in 2014
•  As the runner-up at the Norisring, scored his best result for Audi
“I really enjoyed the trip to Moscow last year – even though getting to and from the airport to the hotel and the race track may be a bit more difficult than at other venues. The track suited our car well and that won’t be any different on the longer configuration.”

Miguel Molina (25/E), Audi Sport Audi RS 5 DTM #8 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
•  Did the quickest pit stop of all Audi drivers at the Norisring
•  Was forced to retire in the 2013 race in Moscow following a collision
“I can hardly wait to finally arrive at the next race. The rounds before the Norisring were very successful for me and I’d like to continue that string now as soon as possible.”

Edoardo Mortara (27/I), Audi Sport Audi RS 5 DTM #15 (Audi Sport Team Abt)
•  Arrives at Moscow as the driver at the front of the pack chasing the leader of the standings
•  In 2013, was turned around on track at Moscow on lap one
“I’ve now had three really good races in succession, so I’m optimistic for Moscow as well. Even though I personally had a really bad weekend there last year, Mike (Rockenfeller) and Mattias (Ekström) showed what’s possible and that the track suits our car.”

Nico Müller (22/CH), Audi Financial Services Audi RS 5 DTM #22 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
•  Has previously run in a formula race on the long track configuration
•  Drove the second-fastest lap of all Audi drivers at the Norisring
“I’ve previously contested a race in a single-seater on the long track configuration. The circuit is very fluid and fits our DTM cars well. The spectators can expect to see a thrilling race and I’m hoping that a large number of fans will turn out again at the Moscow Raceway.”

Mike Rockenfeller (30/D), Schaeffler Audi RS 5 DTM #1 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
•  Clinched the pole position and won the race last year
•  Became a father for the first time one day after the Norisring race
“With the pole position and victory in 2013 I had a dream weekend at Moscow. Obviously, my wish is to be able to give the right response there following two difficult races. With a little bit more fortune concerning a few minor issues we’ll have good chances of being in contention at the front again.”

Timo Scheider (35/D), AUTO TEST Audi RS 5 DTM #2 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
•  Has had the signatures of all the mechanics painted on his helmet
•  As driver representative, supported the option of the long track configuration
“Driving a DTM car on the Moscow Raceway is huge fun. The grip level is very high and on the new track configuration we’ve now got a nice long straight with good overtaking opportunities. Yes, traveling there is a bit difficult. But once you’re there you’ll tremendously enjoy it.”

Adrien Tambay (23/F), Playboy Audi RS 5 DTM #16 (Audi Sport Team Abt)
•  Is one of two drivers in the field to have scored points in all races so far
•  In 2013, missed a podium place at Moscow by only 0.8 seconds
“I’ve got very fond memories of the debut last year where I advanced from position 14 to fourth place and set the fastest race lap in the process. I’ve scored points in all four races so far – I’d like to continue like this.”

The Audi drivers in the 2014 DTM

Mattias Ekström (S): * July 14, 1978 in Falun (S); residence: Salenstein (CH); single (partner Heidi), one son (Mats); one daughter (Hanna); height: 1.83 m; weight: 79 kg; Audi driver since 1999; DTM races: 138; pole positions: 19; victories: 17; fastest laps: 13; points: 718; DTM titles: 2 (2004, 2007); best result DTM Moscow: 2

Jamie Green (GB): * June 14, 1982 in Leicester (GB); residence: Monaco (MC); married to Ginny, two sons (Zachary and William); height: 1.78 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2013; DTM races: 97; pole positions: 7; victories: 8; fastest laps: 13; points: 420.5; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Moscow: 6

Miguel Molina (E): * February 17, 1989 in Barcelona (E); residence: Lloret de Mar (E); single; height: 1.75 m; weight: 64 kg; Audi driver since 2010; DTM races: 45; pole positions: 2; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 2; points: 79; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Moscow: –

Edoardo Mortara (I): * Jan 12, 1987 in Geneva (CH); residence: Geneva (CH); engaged; height: 1.82 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 34; pole positions: 1; victories: 2; fastest laps: 0; points: 145; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Moscow: –

Nico Müller (CH): * Feb 25, 1992 in Thun (CH); residence: Blumenstein (CH); single (partner Lara); height: 1.85 m; weight: 73 kg; Audi driver since 2014; DTM races: 4; pole positions: 0; victories: 0; fastest laps: 1; points: 0; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Moscow: –

Mike Rockenfeller (D): * Oct 31, 1983 in Neuwied (D); residence: Landschlacht (CH); married to Susanne, one son (Phil); height: 1.75 m; weight: 68 kg; Audi driver since 2007; DTM races: 75; pole positions: 3; victories: 3; fastest laps: 3; points: 336; DTM titles: 1 (2013); best result DTM Moscow: 1 (2013)

Timo Scheider (D): * Nov 10, 1978 in Lahnstein (D); residence: Lochau (A); single (partner Jessica), one son (Loris-Romeo); height: 1.78 m; weight: 72 kg; Audi driver since 2006; DTM races: 143; pole positions: 11; victories: 6; fastest laps: 9; points: 419; DTM titles: 2 (2008, 2009); best result DTM Moscow: 9

Adrien Tambay (F): * Feb 25, 1991 in Paris (F); residence: Lochau (A); single; height: 1.81 m; weight: 69 kg; Audi driver since 2012; DTM races: 24; pole positions: 1; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 1; points: 86; DTM titles: 0; best result DTM Moscow: 4

DTM drivers’ standings after four of ten rounds

  1 Marco Wittmann (BMW)        58 points
  2 Edoardo Mortara (Audi)        39 points
  3 Mattias Ekström (Audi)        35 points
  4 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi)        35 points
  5 Adrien Tambay (Audi)        28 points
  6 Miguel Molina (Audi)        26 points
  7 Robert Wickens (Mercedes-Benz)      25 points
  8 Christian Vietoris (Mercedes-Benz)      25 points
  9 Jamie Green (Audi)          24 points
10 Bruno Spengler (BMW)        23 points
11 Augusto Farfus (BMW)        14 points
12 Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz)      12 points
13 Pascal Wehrlein (Mercedes-Benz)      10 points
14 Timo Glock (BMW)          10 points
15 Timo Scheider (Audi)        9 points
16 Maxime Martin (BMW)        8 points
17 Martin Tomczyk (BMW)        8 points
18 Joey Hand (BMW)          7 points
19 António Félix da Costa (BMW)      4 points
20 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)      4 points

DTM manufacturers’ standings

  1 Audi            196 points
  2 BMW            132 points
  3 Mercedes-Benz          76 points

DTM teams’ standings

  1 Audi Sport Team Abt        67 points
  2 BMW Team RMG          66 points
  3 Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline      61 points
  4 Audi Sport Team Phoenix        44 points
  5 Original-Teile Mercedes AMG      37 points
  6 BMW Team Schnitzer        31 points
  7 EURONICS/FREE MAN’S WORLD Mercedes AMG  29 points
  8 Audi Sport Team Rosberg        24 points
  9 BMW Team RBM          21 points
10 BMW Team MTEK          14 points
11 gooix Mercedes AMG        10 points

Audi statistics in the DTM (since 1990)

Champion’s titles: 9 (in 16 years)
Victories: 65 (in 212 races)
Pole positions: 72 (in 176 qualifying sessions)
Fastest laps: 59 (in 212 races)Podium positions: 215 (in 212 races)

All Moscow winners since 2013

2013 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi)

2013 flashback: one-two victory in Russian debut round

In the first race in DTM history in Russia, Mike Rockenfeller and Mattias Ekström achieved a one-two Audi victory in front of an impressive crowd of 45,000 spectators. On clinching his second victory of the season, Rockenfeller managed to extend his lead in the overall standings to 27 points. The two Audi drivers commandingly set the pace from the start. After 74 laps, they had a more than ten-second advantage over the BMW of Augusto Farfus, who managed to just barely make it across the finish line in third place, ahead of Adrien Tambay in another Audi RS 5 DTM.

Track info

Track length: 3.931 km
Race distance: 48 laps = 188.688 km
Pit stop window: lap 16 to lap 32
Turnout 2013: 45,000
TV live rating 2013: 1.13 million/10.2 % market share (14+, source: ARD)
The DTM will be using the long track configuration for the first time.

Mike Rockenfeller about the Moscow Raceway: “At our inaugural event last year, we received a very warm welcome in Moscow. The track is very demanding. Stable brakes in the car are important because you’ve got to brake on entering several tight turns. This year, we’re driving the longer track configuration, which I like very much. None of us knows the new part yet but even in 2013 it was easy for me to adjust to the new track. I hope the winter in Russia wasn’t too severe and that the track is still in such a perfect condition. The two best overtaking opportunities exist in front of the last and the first turn. Both are good places for using the DRS. My personal favorite section is the combination following the second turn.”

Timetable (local time, CEST +2 hours)

Friday, July 11
15.55 – 16.30    Roll-out

Saturday, July 12
11.00 – 12.00    Free practice
14.15 – 15.15    Free practice
18.40 – 19.30    Qualifying

Sunday, July 13
11.30 – 12.10    Pit stop practice
15.30      Race

TV schedule (‘Das Erste’ live)

Saturday, July 12
16.35      Qualifying

Sunday, July 13
13.15      Race

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