DTM 2004
The Audi Teams for 2004): Mattias Ekström, Christian Abt, Martin Tomczyk, Emanuele Pirro, Frank Biela, Martin Tomczyk, Hans-Jürgen Abt, Audi Sportchef Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Ralf Jüttner

The Audi TT served as basis model for Team Abt Sportsline in the DTM (German Touring Car Masters) for four years. Another model is the basis for the works involvement of AUDI AG in the DTM: The Audi A4 DTM race version is being worked on actively at both Audi Sport locations in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm.

“The Audi A4 fits perfectly to the new DTM technical regulations, it is naturally sporting and is the Audi model sold most frequently in Germany,” explains Head of Audi Sport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, which is why the four door limousine was chosen. “On top of this, the Audi A4 already has a deep rooted tradition in touring car racing.”

Between 1995 and 1999, the Audi A4 quattro was the world’s most successful super touring car. 1996 was a particularly outstanding season, in which Audi won the championship titles in seven countries. The current Audi A4 has also already tasted success in motorsport: Team KMS Motorsport won the Swedish Touring Car Championship (STCC) at the first time of asking in 2003 with an Audi A4 producing approximately 260 hp and designed in accordance with the Super 2000 regulations.

The Audi A4 DTM has however very little in common with the “Swedish” A4 and is a completely new development. “We couldn’t carry over many components from the TT either – at best experience,” explains Dr Ullrich. Only the V8 engine of the new A4 with approximately 460 hp is a further development of the existing power unit, which was used during the 2003 DTM. On top of this are the familiar components such as gearbox, driver safety cell or brakes, which are prescribed standard components for all DTM manufacturers.

Because a great deal of importance is placed on equipment parity and manageable costs in the DTM, the technical regulations leave the engineers very little room to manoeuvre. “Nevertheless we hope, based on Audi Sport’s wealth of experience, to have found a few details that our competitors haven’t come across,” says Dr Ullrich.

The first tests of the new Audi A4 DTM are already scheduled for 2003 – an important piece of the jigsaw. “You need sufficient time before the season starts to test a new car,” explains the Head of Audi Sport. “To make up a deficit during the season, is, as experience has shown, extremely difficult.”

The two race teams, Abt Sportsline and Joest Racing, will be integrated early on in the test programme. Also, the construction of the race cars is made, as usual for Audi Sport, in close cooperation with the teams.