Audi travels to Styria with tailwind

Ingolstadt/Spielberg - With the tailwind of a commanding victory at Brands Hatch, the Audi squad is traveling to the third round of the DTM season (June 1–2) at Spielberg (Austria). Audi driver Mike Rockenfeller, after his success in England, will arrive at the Red Bull Ring as the leader of the standings. Ever since the new circuit was re-opened two years ago, Audi has won all races here.

First victory in the second race the Audi RS 5 DTM passed its baptism by fire at Brands Hatch. In the third round at Spielberg, the Audi squad is aiming to up the ante. Styria is a good track for the brand from Ingolstadt. In both races since the track was re-opened, an Audi driver took the top spot on the podium. In 2011, it was Martin Tomczyk on his way to the title win and last year Edoardo Mortara on clinching his first ever DTM victory.

From the island to the Alps: The demands made on the drivers and the cars could hardly be any more different. With a distance of 4.326 kilometers the Red Bull Ring is one of the longest tracks on the DTM calendar and due to its large vertical differences has unique characteristics. While Brands Hatch was a downforce track, Spielberg primarily calls for aerodynamic efficiency.

The fans at the race track and in front of their TV sets can look forward to particularly spectacular use of the Drag Reduction System (DRS) that allows the rear wing angle to be flattened by depressing a button on the steering wheel. No less than three straights followed by narrow turns at Spielberg are almost ideally suited for using the system, which gives the pursuer a speed advantage and thus makes overtaking easier. Gripping maneuvers are guaranteed.

Dieter Gass (Head of DTM): “We’ve got fond memories of Spielberg because we were very strong there in the past two years. Especially for Edoardo (Mortara) this probably means additional motivation. We’ve slightly modified our car since 2012, so we’re optimistic that we’ll be showing a good performance again.”

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “Audi won at Spielberg last year, ‘Rocky’ was victorious most recently at Brands Hatch. That shows what’s possible with our car. Our whole squad will be starting with high concentration and perfect preparation. And who knows: Maybe Red Bull will actually be giving our two Red Bull racers wings …”

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “Last year, Edoardo (Mortara) won. Of course we’d like to repeat this Audi success from last year – albeit preferably with ‘Rocky’ so that we can continue to be in contention as front runners in the Championship.”

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): “At Spielberg, we won our first DTM race, so our memories are positive and we’re looking forward to the race with eager anticipation. Last year, the tables turned in favor of our team in Austria – I’m proceeding from the assumption that this will be the case again this year.”

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

Filipe Albuquerque (27/P), Audi Financial Services RS 5 DTM #6 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)

With eighth place last year, was one of the five Audi drivers in the top ten.

After two time penalties, finished the race at Brands Hatch in 17th place.

"“For me, the race at Spielberg will be the right start start into the 2013 DTM season because at Hockenheim and Brands Hatch some things didn’t work perfectly. That is why I’m looking forward to Austria: My team has won there before and I was fast there last year as well."”

Mattias Ekström (34/S), Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM #11 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)

Like Timo Scheider, ran at Spielberg back in the years from 2001 to 2003.

Also knows the track at Spielberg from several events with partner Red Bull.

"“My race here at Spielberg was very good last year too – but, unfortunately, I still barely missed a position on the podium. Our speed at Brands Hatch was good. This time, I’m wishing for a weekend without any kind of incidents. The track suits me, so a place at the very front has to be the aim.”"

Jamie Green (30/GB), Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM #12 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)

Is starting at the Red Bull Ring as a Red Bull racer for the first time.

After Edoardo Mortara, has the second-best Spielberg tally of all Audi drivers.

"“Audi won there in both of the past two years. That’s definitely a good starting base. I was sixth once and fifth once, so I’ve still got some room to move upward. Spielberg is a superb track in unusual surroundings: mountains, fields and cows directly alongside the track – that’s a great atmosphere for me."”

Miguel Molina (24/E), Audi RS 5 DTM #20 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)

On his RS 5 DTM is advertising the German soccer cup final at Spielberg.

At Brands Hatch, missed a finish in the points by just half a second.

"“I really like the Red Bull Ring. We’re improving from race to race and have to keep up our efforts of working hard on our performance. Edo (Mortara) showed what’s possible last year. I’m looking forward to the race.”"

Edoardo Mortara (26/F/I), Playboy Audi RS 5 DTM #5 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)

In 2012, won his first DTM race at Spielberg.

Experienced the worst start of the season in his still young DTM career.

"“We really had two weekends to forget. But I know exactly that I’ve got a good team and a good car – all we need now is a race without incidents.

I see no reason why we shouldn’t manage this at Spielberg. I took my first ever DTM race win there, so I’ve got a special relationship with this track.”"

Mike Rockenfeller (29/D), Schaeffler Audi RS 5 DTM #19 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)

Travels to a DTM race as the leader of the standings for the first time in his career.

After Brands Hatch, went on to contest the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.

"“Spielberg is a very nice track that I’m really looking forward to. Last year, we had a thrilling race there with many overtaking maneuvers. Now, with the DRS and the option tires, there’ll probably be even more action. Obviously, after the success at Brands Hatch, I can hardly wait to go out again and battle for the next victory.”"

Timo Scheider (34/D), AUTO TEST Audi RS 5 DTM #23 (Audi Sport Team Abt)

Has been living in Lochau at Lake Constance in Austria for many years.

Is ambassador of the “Wings for Life” foundation initiated by Red Bull.

"“With Austria being my adopted country, Spielberg is a kind of second home race for me that I’m very much looking forward to. Last year was an action-packed experience for me.

After body contact on the starting lap, I was running in last place and then, with a recovery and the fastest race lap, moved forward to sixth. The first two rounds this year have shown me that we’re in contention – now it’s time for me to finally clinch a really good result.”"

Adrien Tambay (22/F), Audi ultra RS 5 DTM #24 (Audi Sport Team Abt)

Moved to the Austrian town of Lochau at Lake Constance before the season.

As of Spielberg, the graphics on his Audi RS 5 DTM are advertising “Audi ultra” again.

"I’ve been living in Austria since this spring, so Spielberg is my home race. The round at Brands Hatch was already a clear improvement for me compared to Hockenheim – that’s exactly where I’d like to continue now. That Edo (Mortara) won here last year gives all of us an extra dose of motivation.”"

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