In the interest of the DTM: Audi accepts the decision of the DMSB
- Results of DTM race at Zandvoort corrected
- Mattias Ekström moved back to third place
- Audi chooses not to appeal decision in the interest of sport
Although Audi continues to maintain the position that it has not violated the regulations at the DTM race at Zandvoort, Audi accepts the penalties and warnings issued by the German Motorsport Federation (DMSB) in the interest of sport and the spirit of the DTM.
“We continue to be of the opinion that we did not violate the wording of the regulations,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “It would not be in the best interest of the DTM and motorsport if the discussions were to extend over several weeks and the results of Zandvoort continued to be provisonal. The fans would be the primary losers in that case. With this in mind, Audi has made a decision in deference to the sport, accepts the views of the DMSB and elects not to lodge an appeal.”
The stewards assume a violation of the regulations in the fact that Mattias Ekström was able to overtake his two brand colleagues Alexandre Prémat and Oliver Jarvis without any defense on their part in the final phase of the DTM race at Zandvoort.
“For the future, Audi recommends that ‘team order’ passage in the regulations be worded more precisely so that there will be an exact definition of where the line is drawn between team orders and strategies,” said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.
The DMSB stewards imposed fines against Audi Sport Teams Abt Sportsline and Phoenix Racing amounting to 25,000 euros respectively, of which 20,000 euros, respectively, have been suspended. Mattias Ekström received a five-second time penalty which moves him back from second to third place and causes him to lose two points. Oliver Jarvis and Alexandre Prémat received warnings.