• DTM visits Brands Hatch after the summer break
  • Martin Tomczyk aims to recapture lead of the standings
  • Six Audi racers still have theoretical title chances
DTM 2011

After a three-week summer break the first September weekend at Brands Hatch (Great Britain) marks the start of the final sprint and the chase for the lead of the DTM standings for Audi. Martin Tomczyk is aiming to reduce the gap to Bruno Spengler, who is ranking in first place, and preferably recapture the overall lead.

The 29-year-old German from Audi Sport Team Phoenix knows how to do that at Brands Hatch. Tomczyk captured the top spot on the leaderboard on the 1.929-kilometer and thus shortest track on a previous occasion. In 2007 a second-place finish behind Bernd Schneider sufficed for him to advance to first place in the overall classification.

Mathematically, with a seven-point gap to Bruno Spengler, the Audi factory driver would again only have to finish as the runner-up to regain the lead of the standings - at least if the Canadian scored no points at Brands Hatch.

Tomczyk can safely assume that his 2008-specification Audi A4 DTM will be running well at the “Indy Circuit.” Last year, Miguel Molina in an A4 of the same generation was the fastest Audi driver in the race.

But Tomczyk is not the only Audi driver who can still have hopes of clinching the title. The two-time DTM Champion Timo Scheider from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline is ranking in third place of the standings, behind his brand colleague. Theoretically, as many as six Audi drivers still have title chances, though realistically, only the two Germans Martin Tomczyk and Timo Scheider do.

Scheider, too, has very fond memories of Brands Hatch. On the way to his first DTM title in 2008 he managed to score a very important victory at the DTM’s UK round, and in the past two years he was on podium as well.

Mattias Ekström is another Brands Hatch winner in Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline’s driver squad. In 2006 the Swede was the first winner of a DTM race at Brands Hatch. With a commanding victory clinched at the Nürburgring, the last round before the summer break, Ekström showed that he has not lost any of his skills.

So Audi is traveling to the UK with good prerequisites for raising the victory score in the prestige duel against Mercedes-Benz to 5-2. The seventh race of the season will start on Sunday (September 4) at 2 p.m. local time. ARD will broadcast live on “Das Erste” beginning at 2:40 (CEST).

Other topics of the weekend

-Will Miguel Molina finally clinch his first point of the year?
-Will Edoardo Mortara again be the best rookie in the field?
-Will all three Audi teams be able to score again?
-How many drivers will still be in the title race after Brands Hatch?

Quotes by the officials

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport):
“After a short summer break we’re traveling to Brands Hatch. Our performance has always been pretty good there but in the past two years we weren’t able to convert this into victories. Now we’re aiming to achieve a good result with the momentum we had before the summer break. I’m looking toward this race with optimism.”

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “Naturally, after the great result at the Nürburgring we’re really looking forward to Brands Hatch. We’re highly motivated for the second half of the DTM. We showed that we’re able to run at the front of the field. We’ll try and take our form with us to the UK. Brands Hatch is a track that suits us well. We’ve had some great successes there. We’ll put the motivation of the whole team to good use.”

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “Due to the track being so short Brands Hatch may well be the biggest challenge of the year. When you pit you’re no longer on the same lap as the leaders. You’re always moving in traffic. I find this to be a tremendous challenge. Considering how narrow the margins are on longer race tracks I’m wondering whether the gaps we’ll be seeing in qualifying at Brands Hatch will only be in the range of hundredths or thousandths. But I’m looking forward to that and so are my drivers.”

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): “Brands Hatch is always good. It’s the shortest track on the calendar. With almost 100 laps it’s like racing on a merry-go-around. I’m looking forward to it, and particularly since Filipe (Albuquerque) has also broken his duck now. He knows how he has to set up and drive the car. That gives us a good chance to finish in the points with Filipe and with Edoardo (Mortara).”

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

Filipe Albuquerque (26/P), TV Movie Audi A4 DTM #18 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)

-ust barely missed a points finish most recently at the Nürburgring
“As soon as one DTM race is over I already look forward to the next one because it’s simply fun. And most recently at the Nürburgring a lot of things really went well for me. I think my engineer and I’ve made a step forward. The set-up and the race pace are much better now. I don’t know the short circuit version yet. It’ll be very close, like at the Norisring. I’m gathering more and more kilometers and starting to score points. Hopefully, I’ll clinch another one there.”

Mattias Ekström (33/S), Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #8 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
-Has most recently, at Spa and at the Nürburgring, won two consecutive races for Audi
-In 2006, was the first winner at the DTM round at Brands Hatch
“I always enjoy being there. It’s no doubt one of the race tracks on which you can have the greatest fun. It’s extremely short and produces very low lap times, which means we driving a very large number of laps. Traffic is dense and tactics are important.”

Rahel Frey (25/CH), Glamour Audi A4 DTM #15 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
-Only knows the long circuit version at Brands Hatch
-Has recorded her sixth consecutive race finish
“I know the long circuit at Brands Hatch but not the short version. That’ll be a fantastic challenge, especially turn one. And with 98 laps you probably nearly go crazy. The DTM at Brands Hatch will definitely be a great experience for me.”

Oliver Jarvis (27/GB), Audi Sport performance cars A4 DTM #5 (Audi Sport Team Abt)

-With a sixth-place finish clinched his best Brands Hatch result last year
-Is the only Audi driver for whom Brands Hatch is a home round
“It’s important for me to score points at my home race. On this track, turn one is absolutely crucial. You can gain a lot of time there by taking a certain risk. It’s one of the most beautiful turns in the world. That’s why I’m really looking forward to traveling to Brands Hatch.”

Miguel Molina (22/E), Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #22 (Audi Sport Team Abt Junior)

-Set the fastest race lap at Brands Hatch last year
-Has clinched his so far best DTM result - fourth place - there
“Brands Hatch is a good track for me. A year ago I scored my best DTM result there. At the Nürburgring we had a really good qualifying session. I want to continue that at Brands Hatch. And then I’m hoping for a good race.”

Edoardo Mortara (24/I/F), Playboy Audi A4 DTM #19 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
-Celebrated a victory on this track as a Formula 3 racer a year ago
-Has already achieved three points finishes this season
-With grid position five as the best driver of a year-old car at the Nürburgring has continued his good form curve
“I know this circuit well and it should also suit me very well. The track is very special, but I’ve always achieved good results there. In 2007 I won there for the first time in Formula 3. Now I’d like to continue our good string of results. At the Norisring, in Munich and at the Nürburgring we managed three good weekends in a row. We’ve already improved, resolved earlier issues, and can just improve further.”

Mike Rockenfeller (27/D), E-POSTBRIEF Audi A4 DTM #9 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
-Achieved his second podium finish this year at the Nürburgring
-Demonstrated a good qualifying performance as well by taking third place on the grid
“After the summer break we’re traveling to Brands Hatch. Naturally, I’m looking forward to that again. Due to its length of less than two kilometers the track is very special. As a result, the times will be extremely close. I’m hoping for us to be able to come up with a good set-up for the Audi A4 DTM so that I’ll finish very far at the front.”

Timo Scheider (32/D), AUTO TEST Audi A4 DTM #4 (Audi Sport Team Abt)
-Won with Audi at Brands Hatch in 2008
-Started from the front row in 2008 and 2009 and was on podium three times in a row
“I’ve got fond memories of Brands Hatch where I was on podium in the past two years. In 2008 I even won there. It’s always nice to return to a track where you’ve had good experiences in recent years. But that’s by no means a guarantee that you’ll achieve a good result. I’m looking forward to the race after we’ve been able to recharge our batteries a bit during the break. After the great weekend for Audi at the Nürburgring we’re all traveling to Brands Hatch fully motivated.”

Martin Tomczyk (29/D), Schaeffler Audi A4 DTM #14 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)

-Travels to Brands Hatch as the runner-up in the standings
-Is one of four drivers who scored points at all six races in 2011
“Brands Hatch is a nice track. It’s also a good one for Audi because we’ve clinched some nice results there. The circuit is small, very narrow, with a lot of laps being driven. Qualifying is crucial there, and of course the strategy.”

The Audi drivers in the 2011 DTM

Filipe Albuquerque (P):
* Jun 13, 1985 in Coimbra (P); residence: Coimbra (P); single; height: 1.74 m; weight: 64 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 6; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 8th place); fastest laps: 0; points: 1; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Brands Hatch: -

Mattias Ekström (S): * Jul 14, 1978 in Falun (S); residence: Salenstein (CH); single (partner Heidi), one son (Mats); height: 1.83 m; weight: 79 kg; Audi driver since 2001; DTM races: 110 pole positions: 17; victories: 15; fastest laps: 11; points: 503; DTM titles: 2 (2004, 2007); best result, DTM Brands Hatch: 1

Rahel Frey (CH):
* Feb 23, 1986 in Niederbipp (CH); residence: Aedermannsdorf (CH); single; height: 1.63 m; weight: 50 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 6; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 15th place) fastest laps: 0; points: 0; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Brands Hatch: -

Oliver Jarvis (GB):
* Jan 09, 1984 in Burwell (GB); residence: Ermatingen (CH); single; height: 1.80 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2008; DTM races: 38; pole positions: 1; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastest laps: 0; points: 51; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Brands Hatch: 6

Miguel Molina (E): * Feb 17, 1989 in Girona (E); residence: Lloret de Mar (E); single; height: 1.75 m; weight: 62 kg; Audi driver since 2010; DTM races: 17; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 4th place); fastest laps: 1; points: 15; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Brands Hatch: 4

Edoardo Mortara (I/F):
* Jan 12, 1987 in Geneva (CH); residence: Geneva (CH); single; height: 1.82 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTM races: 6; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 5th place); fastest laps: 0; points: 9; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Brands Hatch: -

Mike Rockenfeller (D): * Oct 31, 1983 in Neuwied (D); residence: Altnau (CH); single; height: 1.75 m; weight: 67 kg; Audi driver since 2007; DTM races: 47; pole positions: 0; victories: 1; fastest laps: 2; points: 63; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Brands Hatch: 7

Timo Scheider (D): * Nov 11, 1978 in Lahnstein (D); residence: Lochau (A); single, (partner Jessica), one son (Loris); height: 1.78 m; weight: 74 kg; Audi driver since 2006; DTM races: 115; pole positions: 9; victories: 6; fastest laps: 7; points: 348; DTM titles: 2 (2008, 2009); best result, DTM Brands Hatch: 1

Martin Tomczyk (D): * Dec 07, 1981 in Rosenheim (D); residence: Aesch/Basel (CH); single (partner Christina); height: 1.88 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2001; DTM races: 109; pole positions: 8; victories: 6; fastest laps: 5; points: 289; DTM titles: 0; best result, DTM Brands Hatch: 2

2011 DTM point standings

1 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz) 47 points
2 Martin Tomczyk (Audi A4 DTM) 40 points
3 Timo Scheider (Audi A4 DTM) 29 points

4 Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz) 24 points
5 Mattias Ekström (Audi A4 DTM) 21 points
6 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi A4 DTM) 20 points

7 Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes-Benz) 17 points
8 Oliver Jarvis (Audi A4 DTM) 10 points
9 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) 10 points
10 Edoardo Mortara (Audi A4 DTM) 9 points
11 Maro Engel (Mercedes-Benz) 3 points
12 Tom Kristensen (Audi A4 DTM) 2 points
13 David Coulthard (Mercedes-Benz) 1 point
14 Filipe Albuquerque (Audi A4 DTM) 1 point

2011 DTM season interim statistics

Victories: Mercedes-Benz 2; Audi 4
Pole positions: Mercedes-Benz 4; Audi 2
Fastest laps: Mercedes-Benz 4; Audi 2
Leading laps: Mercedes-Benz 135; Audi 147

Audi DTM statistics


Pole positions: 60
Victories: 58
Fastest laps: 49
Champion’s titles: 7 (1990, 1991, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009)

All Brands Hatch winners since 2006

2006 Mattias Ekström (Audi)

2007 Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz)
2008 Timo Scheider (Audi)
2009 Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz)
2010 Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz)

Track info

Track length: 1.929 km
Race distance: 98 laps = 189.042 km
DTM qualifying record on this track: Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz), 41.278s = 168.235 km/h (September 4, 2010)
DTM race record on this track: Miguel Molina (Audi), 41.896s = 165.753 km/h (September 5, 2010)
Pole position 2010: Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz), 41.278s = 168.235 km/h (September 4, 2010)
Fastest lap 2010: Miguel Molina (Audi), 41.896s = 165.753 km/h (September 5, 2010)
Turnout 2010: 24,000
TV live rating 2010: 0.99 million/8.8 % market share (source: ARD)

Oliver Jarvis about Brands Hatch: “Brands Hatch is the shortest track on the calendar, but it is also very technical and extremely difficult to achieve a perfect lap. There aren’t many corners, but every small mistake costs you dearly because the margins in qualifying are so small. Often only thousandths of a second separate us. Brands Hatch is one of my favorite tracks and Paddock Hill bend is one of the best corners in the world. When you come over the crest you can’t see the apex. The track then drops away. You have to exit this corner very cleanly if you are to have any chance of attacking under braking in the uphill section before Druids. This is the best point to overtake. The spectators can see almost every corner from the grandstands.”

2010 flashback

By taking third place at Brands Hatch Timo Scheider moved forward to fourth place in the DTM’s overall classification. The title defender had started from position three and was putting the leader of the standings, Bruno Spengler, under pressure across 60 laps, only losing a bit of ground after the second pit stop. DTM rookie Miguel Molina pushed forward from ninth to fourth place with an impressive performance. Oliver Jarvis, Martin Tomczyk and Alexandre Prémat scored points as well. Mattias Ekström’s left rear wheel was hit by Ralf Schumacher as early as in turn one, forcing him to retire.

2010 Results
1 Paul Di Resta (Mercedes) 98 laps in 1h 10m 05.552s
2 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes) + 7.443s
3 Timo Scheider (Audi A4 DTM) + 10.258s
4 Miguel Molina (Audi A4 DTM) + 10.719s
5 Gary Paffett (Mercedes) + 12.780s
6 Oliver Jarvis (Audi A4 DTM) + 23.830s
7 Martin Tomczyk (Audi A4 DTM) + 23.986s
8 Alexandre Prémat (Audi A4 DTM) + 25.689s
9 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi A4 DTM) + 26.193s
...
14 Katherine Legge (Audi A4 DTM) - 1 lap
15 Markus Winkelhock (Audi A4 DTM) - 23 laps


Timetable (local time)

Friday, September 2

09:00-09:30 Roll-out
09:30-09:35 Starting practice
13:00-14:30 Free practice 1
14:30-14:35 Starting practice

Saturday, September 3

09:00-10:30 Free practice 2
14:10-15:20 Qualifying

Sunday, September 4
10:00-10:30 Warm-up
14:00 Race

TV schedule (CEST; ARD live)

Saturday, September 3

15:03-16:30 Qualifying

Sunday, September 4
14:40-16:30 Race


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